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By Michael Adedotun Oke
In a significant move to address Nigeria’s internal security crisis, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the deployment of armed forest guards to reclaim over 1,129 identified forests that have become havens for terrorists, bandits, and other criminal gangs. This initiative, while long overdue, presents a complex undertaking with potential challenges.
The decision to confront the annexation of Nigeria’s vast and largely ungoverned wilderness is a hybrid approach, blending military posture with environmental justification. The concept draws inspiration from successful deployments of forest rangers in countries like Kenya and India, which have safeguarded biodiversity and combated poaching and illegal logging.
However, Nigeria’s initiative differs in its core intent and scale, focusing on flushing out armed criminals rather than primarily protecting trees or wildlife. The effective implementation of this plan is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s vulnerable forest zones.
Challenges and Concerns
The joint oversight by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment raises concerns about bureaucratic turf wars and overlapping mandates. Prioritizing aggressive security action over long-term environmental sustainability could erode accountability and create unnecessary hurdles.
The training curriculum for the armed forest guards is also a critical consideration. A robust oversight framework is necessary to prevent the creation of another ill-disciplined paramilitary unit that can operate completely outside of its rule of engagement. Clearly defined rules of engagement and stringent accountability mechanisms are essential to avoid contributing to the very insecurity the initiative aims to combat.
A Holistic Approach
Reclaiming Nigeria’s ungoverned forests requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates the Forest Guard program into natural resource management. This could encompass reforestation efforts, biodiversity conservation initiatives, protection of crucial water resources, and development of eco-tourism ventures.
A more sustainable approach would prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and biodiversity monitoring, rather than solely focusing on militarization. Establishing the forest guard as a paramilitary organization under the Ministry of Environment, with strong collaborative ties to state forestry departments, could provide more localized oversight and leverage existing knowledge of the terrain and local communities.
Key Considerations
- Inter-ministerial cooperation and clear goals are crucial to the success of this initiative.
- Robust oversight mechanisms and accountability frameworks are necessary to prevent abuse and ensure transparency.
- Community engagement and local participation are essential in identifying and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
- A comprehensive strategy that balances security, environmental protection, and socio-economic development is vital to reclaiming Nigeria’s forests.
By adopting a well-defined strategy, responsible stewardship, and persistent political will, Nigeria can protect its precious woodlands from both armed criminals and disjointed government responses.
*Oke is the Executive Director of Michael Adedotun Oke (MAOF)
