Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the arming of forest guards nationwide, signalling a major shift in Nigeria’s security strategy as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and illegal mining, particularly in rural and forested areas.

The President announced the decision on Wednesday during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, citing the growing insecurity across several states and the need for a more decentralised and effective security architecture.

“We need all the forces that we can utilise,” Tinubu told members of the cabinet, stressing that forest guards—who have traditionally operated without firearms—must now be properly equipped to serve as frontline security responders.

“The Civil Defence are equally armed, and our NSA should arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” the President directed.

The approval significantly expands the mandate of forest guards, positioning them at the centre of government efforts to secure forests and remote corridors that have increasingly become operational bases for armed groups and criminal networks.

President Tinubu also addressed concerns over the ongoing withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, warning that such redeployments must not expose communities to security risks.

“If you have any difficulty as regards security because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

He further instructed the Minister of Interior to work closely with the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that officers withdrawn from special duties are promptly replaced.

“Replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so they don’t leave people exposed,” Tinubu ordered.

Security analysts have welcomed the decision, describing it as a bold step that could improve surveillance and rapid response in hard-to-reach areas. However, they cautioned that the deployment of firearms must be accompanied by comprehensive training, strict rules of engagement and strong coordination with the police, the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

President Tinubu urged all relevant ministries and security agencies to commence immediate implementation of the directive, describing it as critical to restoring public confidence and strengthening safety in rural communities.

The policy comes amid mounting public pressure on the Federal Government to curb escalating violence, especially in states where vast forest reserves have become safe havens for bandits, kidnappers and illegal miners.