Establishing Forest Guards: A Step Towards Enhanced Security in Nigeria
In May, President Bola Tinubu enacted legislation to create Forest Guards aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s forests. This initiative enables collaboration between federal and state governments to enlist young individuals to bolster national security against various threats, including insecurity and external aggression. However, despite the law’s potential, many state governors have yet to effectively utilize this opportunity.
The Role of Forest Guards
The establishment of Forest Guards is intended to complement existing security measures. While the law introduces an additional layer of protection, it is essential that it does not become a distraction from the pressing need for a state police system. Critics have pointed out that there may be overlap between the responsibilities of the Forest Guards and the Park Rangers under the National Park Service. To maximize efficiency, the government should consider streamlining the roles of these agencies to foster effective collaboration.
Slow Progress in Implementation
Despite the law being in place, the implementation of the Forest Guard initiative has been sluggish. Notably, the North-East Development Commission has trained 1,000 forest guards in Yobe State to protect farmers from terrorist threats in the Sambisa and Sasawa forests. Additionally, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has taken significant steps by approving the recruitment of 2,000 forest guards and allocating N150 million for their equipment, specifically weapons to support the Nigerian Forest Security Service. Such actions by governors must be replicated across the country, while simultaneously acknowledging the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s complex and inefficient unitary policing system.
Addressing Criminal Activity in Forests
Unfortunately, many of Nigeria’s 1,129 forests have become sanctuaries for terrorists, criminals, illegal poachers, and miners. For instance, the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi and the Oyo National Park in Kishi have become inaccessible to local communities and researchers, even as criminal activities continue unabated. This contradiction highlights a significant failure in protecting these areas.
Several forests, including Sambisa Forest in Borno, Birnin Gwari in Kaduna, and parts of Katsina, have become notorious for harboring criminal elements. These locations offer cover from drone surveillance, turning them into hotspots for illegal activities such as arms smuggling and kidnapping, which are exacerbated by their proximity to neighboring countries like Niger, Benin Republic, and Cameroon.
The Ineffectiveness of Current Policing
The Nigerian populace has tragically become desensitized to the recurring violence stemming from terrorism, attacks by violent herdsmen, and other criminal acts. The Nigeria Police Force struggles to gather adequate intelligence and maintain trust within communities, often failing to prevent serious organized crimes. The current structure of the police has proven inadequate for providing the necessary security, with many areas in Nigeria experiencing a lack of police presence.
State governors must advocate for the establishment of state policing during the next National Council of State meeting, pressing for its prioritization. The government has a fundamental obligation to protect citizens and their properties, rather than deflecting responsibility towards external threats and unknown assailants.
The Case for State Policing
Nigeria stands out as the only federal nation among 24 others that operates a unitary police system. In contrast, the United States, upon which Nigeria’s governance model is based, boasts over 18,000 police agencies at federal, state, and local levels. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, despite its unitary status, has a decentralized policing system comprising 47 territorial forces.
Nigeria’s current force of approximately 371,800 police officers is grossly inadequate for a population exceeding 230 million, falling short of the United Nations’ recommended ratio of one officer for every 450 citizens. Furthermore, although governors are designated as Chief Security Officers of their respective states and contribute to police welfare, they lack the authority to maintain law and order effectively within their jurisdictions.
Moving Forward
It is imperative that the National Assembly, responsible for constitutional amendments, prioritizes the establishment of state policing in Nigeria. Both the federal and state governments must also focus on recruiting, training, and equipping forest guards to effectively tackle the intricate challenges of forest security.
While constructing physical barriers to limit access from neighboring countries may not be feasible, fostering cooperation between forest guards and the Nigerian Immigration Service could significantly reduce illegal encroachment into forest areas. Addressing these issues is critical for the overall safety and security of Nigeria’s environment and its citizens.
