The Centre for Human Rights and Welfare Society has praised President Bola Tinubu for his quick approval to deploy 130,000 forest guards across the country.
In a statement released by the Executive Director of the centre, Mr. Chuka Okoye, it highlighted that this move is a crucial step in tackling the growing insecurity affecting Nigeria’s forests.
Each state will have between 2,000 and 5,000 guards. These guards will work under the guidance of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Their main goals are to protect the country’s 1,129 forest reserves and to prevent criminals from using these areas as hiding places.
The centre called on state governments, especially in the South-East, to quickly adopt and implement the federal government’s plan.
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Okoye pointed out the urgent need to confront the ongoing violence caused by non-state actors and unknown gunmen who have turned forests into dangerous areas.
He advised state leaders to work with community figures, traditional leaders, and local groups to find trustworthy individuals who are passionate about safety for the recruitment of these forest guards.
The centre added that special attention should be given to local hunters and residents familiar with the area since they have valuable knowledge about the land.
Okoye stressed the importance of not treating the security roles as a way to gain political favour or financial benefits but rather as a serious responsibility to protect the community and serve the nation.
“A smart and proactive approach to security is essential, and we need to act quickly,” Okoye concluded.