…the forest guards will play a critical role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, illegal mining and other criminal activities.
Ilorin, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements no longer have any safe haven in the state following the deployment of trained forest guards across strategic locations.
The governor made the declaration on Saturday in Ilorin during the passing-out ceremony of over 1,000 forest guards who have successfully completed their training and are set to commence full-scale operations across forested and vulnerable areas of the state.
According to AbdulRazaq, the forest guards will play a critical role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, illegal mining and other criminal activities, particularly those perpetrated within forest reserves and remote communities.
He commended existing security agencies for their sustained efforts in maintaining law and order, noting that the recruitment of forest guards drawn largely from local communities would further strengthen the state’s security architecture.
“Today marks a new chapter in our fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other attacks on our people,” the governor said. “The message is clear: criminals must leave Kwara State now or face serious consequences.”
AbdulRazaq explained that the initiative signals the state government’s shift from a largely defensive posture to a proactive and aggressive campaign against criminal elements.
“With the launch of the forest guards, we are going on the offensive. Our people deserve peace and safety. Anyone who thinks otherwise is an enemy of the state and will not be spared,” he added.
Addressing the newly graduated guards, the governor charged them to see their assignment as a critical national duty, urging them to work closely with other security agencies to rid the forests of criminals and restore lasting peace.
“You are taking on an important responsibility to protect our people from criminals hiding in the forests,” he said. “Working with other security agencies, you must flush out terrorists, restore order and make our communities safer than ever.”
The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a decisive and bold response to Nigeria’s security challenges, as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser for coordinating the forest guard initiative nationwide.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among security agencies would deliver lasting peace and stability across Kwara State.
AbdulRazaq concluded by calling on residents to support security forces by providing timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains key to making the state completely unsafe for criminals.
