A visiting fellow and senior lecturer at the Nigeria Defence Academy, Professor Ali Alao, has cast doubt on the federal government’s plan to deploy armed forest guards to combat banditry and insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the initiative alone will not resolve the complex security challenges facing the country.
Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, Prof. Alao argued that the threat posed by bandits has evolved far beyond what lightly trained forest guards can manage, stressing the need for a more comprehensive and intelligence-driven approach to national security.
“These are not just criminals; these are sophisticated criminals,” Alao said. “It’s not just about acquiring new military equipment. What we urgently need is human intelligence—deep engagement with local communities. That’s how to get ahead of this.”
The federal government recently announced plans to recruit and train 130,000 forest guards who will be fully armed and tasked with securing Nigeria’s vast forest regions, including hotspots like Sambisa Forest. However, Alao questioned the feasibility and potential impact of the initiative, pointing out that even the military has struggled to contain the threat.
“If the military, with all its structure, has not been able to end this crisis, how will forest guards—trained by the same military—succeed where others have failed?” he asked.
He raised concerns about logistics, noting the sheer size of conflict-prone areas. “Sambisa alone spans over 500 kilometers. Are 2,500 personnel enough to effectively monitor and secure that area? That’s unrealistic.”
Calling for a “hybrid approach,” Prof. Alao recommended a strategy that combines military operations, sustained training, grassroots intelligence gathering, and technological tools. He emphasized the importance of discretion in planning, warning that publicizing strategies allows criminal groups to adapt quickly.
“As the government is planning, the criminals are also planning. We need a smarter, more integrated approach—not more conferences or announcements. Let actions speak,” he concluded.
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