FEC: Tinubu Orders Training, Arming of More Forest Guards

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued fresh directives to strengthen national security coordination and accelerate livestock reform, emphasizing the need for swift, decisive action to address kidnapping, terrorism, and recurring land-use conflicts across the country.

Speaking during a security review meeting, the President instructed the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to streamline security authorisation processes for officials on sensitive assignments. He said any security-related challenges must be reported directly to the IGP, with clearance from the Presidency to ensure rapid response and adequate protection.

Tinubu also directed the Minister of Interior to work closely with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel currently on special security duties, warning that such deployments should not leave communities exposed or underprotected.

The President further mandated the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide additional intelligence inputs and form a committee to review existing security structures. He said the measures must be implemented without delay, noting that Nigeria faces persistent threats from kidnapping and terrorism requiring maximum utilisation of available security assets.

While acknowledging that some individuals remain vulnerable due to the nature of their duties, Tinubu stressed that exceptional provisions for their safety must be made. He also directed the NSA to ensure that forest guards seen as a critical layer in combating violent crime within forests—are adequately armed and trained.

On livestock reform, Tinubu charged Vice President Kashim Shettima to engage the National Economic Council (NEC) to identify grazing reserves and villages that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements. He said creating structured ranching systems will help prevent farmer-herder conflicts and unlock new economic opportunities.

The President noted that Nigeria’s constitution places land ownership under state governments and urged governors to collaborate in converting suitable lands into modern livestock hubs. According to him, transforming conflict-prone zones into economically productive settlements will not only improve security but also stimulate development in rural areas.

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Tinubu emphasised that the livestock sector holds significant potential for job creation, food security, and revenue generation if properly managed. He called on relevant stakeholders to work with urgency and unity of purpose to ensure the reforms are fully realised.

“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development,” he said, urging government at all levels to seize the opportunity to promote stability and prosperity nationwide.