Niger Forest Guards
               Niger State Forest Guards

Niger State and Kwara states, strategically located in the North Central part of Nigeria, have been grappling with insecurity issues, making it a hotspot for terrorist attacks. With its proximity to Abuja and a vast forest ecosystem, the state has been a haven for bandits and terrorists.

Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and AbdulRahman Abdul Razaq have taken a bold step to tackle this menace head-on, introducing an innovative approach to address insecurity: trained forest guards. This move is a breath of fresh air, and the people of Niger State are hoping it’s the silver bullet they’ve been waiting for.
Governor Bago’s and Abdul Razaq’s forest guards’ initiative are masterstroke, aiming to combat terrorism and banditry in the state’s vast forest ecosystem. The plan is to deploy trained forest guards, backed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to security-prone areas to engage terrorists in their enclaves. This approach is a game-changer, leveraging the expertise of local hunters and cultural spiritualists, known as “Maidawa,” to subdue the monsters of insecurity. It’s a clever move, using the terrorists’ own tactics against them.

The Message is Clear

The Governors messages are clear: the forest guards are coming for the terrorists, and it’s time for them to surrender or face the music. With the support of the security forces, the Maidawa forest guards are ready to take on the challenge, armed with their traditional knowledge and modern training. They’re not just fighting for peace; they’re fighting for the soul of Niger State and Kwara state.
The introduction of the forest guards is expected to bring peace and stability to Niger State and Kwara state, enabling the resumption of economic and agrarian activities. Governor Bago’s and Abdul Razaq’s vision are to revive the state’s economy, making it a haven for investment and growth. The success of this initiative will be a beacon of hope for other states grappling with insecurity, demonstrating that with courage and innovation, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
 Niger Forest Guards
Governor  Bago Addressing Forest Guards
The Maidawa forest guards are a formidable force, with their traditional hunting skills and modern training making them a force to be reckoned with. Their deployment is expected to change the dynamics of insecurity in Niger State, pushing terrorists and bandits out of their hideouts and restoring peace to communities. It’s a David vs Goliath situation, but the Maidawa forest guards are confident they can take on the giants of insecurity.
The people of Niger State are watching with bated breath, eager to see the impact of this bold initiative. Will it be a shot in the arm for the state’s economy, or will it be another false dawn? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Governor Bago has taken a bold step, and it’s time to see if it pays off.
The forest guards are not just fighting against insecurity; they’re fighting for the future of Niger State. They’re fighting for the farmers who want to till their land in peace, for the traders who want to sell their goods without fear, and for the children who want to go to school without worrying about their safety.
The Maidawa forest guards are more than just a security outfit; they’re a symbol of hope. They’re a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a glimmer of light on the horizon. With their traditional knowledge and modern training, they’re the perfect blend of old and new, and they’re ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century.
Governor Bago’s initiative is a testament to his commitment to the people of Niger State. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk. And if this initiative succeeds, it could be a model for other states to follow.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with the Maidawa forest guards on the job, Niger State is ready to take on the challenges of insecurity. They’re not just fighting for peace; they’re fighting for a better future, and that’s something worth fighting for.
Governor Bago’s forest guard initiative is a bold move that deserves to be watched. It’s a testament to his commitment to the people of Niger State, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope. The Maidawa forest guards are a formidable force, and with their traditional knowledge and modern training, they’re ready to take on the challenges of insecurity.
The people of Niger State are hoping that this initiative will be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for. They’re hoping that it will bring peace and stability to their state, and that it will revive their economy. Only time will tell if this initiative succeeds, but one thing is certain: Governor Bago has taken a bold step, and it’s time to see if it pays off.

Game Changer

Governor Abdul Razaq Addressing Forest Guards in Kwara
Governor Abdul Razaq Addressing Forest Guards in Kwara
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the initiative as a game changer; to curb the activities of criminals, unlawful miners, and other offenders saying it would leave criminals with the choice of either leaving the state or facing serious consequences,
He commended President Bola Tinubu for “thinking out of the box” to repossess Nigeria’s forest resources, expel all the bad faith actors occupying the forests, and strengthen public safety.
Governor AbdulRazaq also thanked the security forces for their commitment to protecting lives, saying synergy with the new auxiliary forces who were all drawn from local communities will strengthen the campaign to fight criminals.
Kwara Governor inspecting Forest Guards Kwara 2
Kwara Governor inspecting Forest Guards 
And the message is very clear: more than ever before, the terrorists now have the option of immediately leaving our state or paying a heavy price. Today’s launch of the forest guards simply means that we are going on the offensive because our people deserve their peace as freeborn. We have had enough! Anyone who thinks or acts otherwise is our enemy who will not be spared.

Commendations For the President

“I commend the President of the Federal Republic for this bold policy response to the security situation in our country and the larger Sahel Region. I thank the leadership of the National Security Adviser for pulling this through. I am also confident that all the security forces will work together with the forest guards to end this menace once and for all.
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 This piece was written by Zubair Abdur Rauf Idris is a public affairs analyst and founder of Prestige FM Minna, Niger state and Tunde Akanbi from Ilorin Kwara state