Oodua group cautions against privatizing the Forest Guard Security Outfit, urging transparency and national oversight for effective protection

Forest Guard Security Outfit must remain a public initiative and not fall under the control of private individuals or groups, the Apapo Egbe Omo Yoruba Oodua Lagbaye has warned.

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The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation issued the caution in a statement signed by its leader, Professor Wale Adeniran, on Saturday, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the new forest guard security scheme.

In May, President Tinubu signed the bill creating the Forest Guard Security Outfit into law. The legislation empowers both federal and state governments to jointly recruit and deploy young Nigerians to protect the nation’s forests, combat insecurity, and prevent external aggression.

Several states, including Kwara and Cross River, have already begun implementing the initiative.

Professor Adeniran, a former leader of the Ilana Omo Oodua, described the president’s move as “a historic step in securing Nigeria’s future,” adding that forest protection was directly linked to the nation’s safety and environmental preservation.

He, however, stressed that the Forest Guard Security Outfit must operate under a well-defined legal framework with clear recruitment standards, uniforms, and an established scope of duties to prevent misuse.

“This is a historic step in securing Nigeria’s future. By protecting our forests, we are protecting our people, our resources, and our national integrity,” Adeniran said.

He advised that recruitment should reflect Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with priority given to local candidates familiar with the forest terrain.

The group further recommended that the Office of the National Security Adviser should maintain supervisory authority over the outfit to prevent abuse of power or politicisation.

While encouraging young Nigerians to seize the employment opportunity, Adeniran noted that the forest guards would strengthen national security while tackling unemployment.

The group also called for attention to be given to forest reserves, border forests, and rural settlements, which are often hotspots for terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal mining.

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“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the bold initiative and call for robust implementation to ensure sustainability,” the statement concluded.