Director-General, African Writers Centre (AWC) have revealed that Nigeria may be on the path to significantly improving its fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping as security analysts credit what they describe as the strategic coordination of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
A security analyst who spoke with AWC said the NSA has “driven a far-reaching reform” following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the establishment and deployment of the Nigerian Forest Security Service Special Guard.
According to the analyst, the initiative is expected to strengthen security responses across the country’s forest belts, long regarded as operational hideouts for criminal groups.
In an interview with the African Writers Centre, global peace advocate and intelligence expert, Amb. Dr John Metchie, described the Special Guard Initiative as “a critical component Nigeria has long needed in its fight against insecurity.”
Metchie, who recently completed an Executive Master’s Programme in Security Management & Leadership at the London College of Management and Leadership Education, said the initiative reflects “a globally recognised approach to forest-based security operations.”
“The gap in Nigeria’s security architecture has often been the absence of a dedicated, professional forest security system. This initiative seeks to address that,” he said.
Metchie, who serves as DCG Intelligence of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), noted that the NSA’s structure has effectively translated the president’s directive into what he called “a coordinated national response” to criminal activities within the country’s expansive forests.
The intelligence expert referenced countries such as Brazil, India, South Africa and the United States, where specialised forest guards support national security, protect wildlife and monitor illegal activities.
According to him, Nigeria’s decision to adopt a similar model “aligns with global trends,” especially in combating forest-based crime.
“If a nation cannot dominate its forests, it struggles to contain forest-enabled criminality,” he said.
The Office of the NSA recently graduated 748 Special Guard officers from Taraba State after undergoing advanced tactical training in Osun State.
AWC gathered that the curriculum covered jungle warfare, anti-kidnap response, silent movement, weapons handling, counter-ambush tactics, drone-assisted surveillance and forest navigation.
Metchie described the training environment as suitable for high-impact drills comparable to established forest-security training facilities internationally.
Enugu State is among the first states to embrace the programme, with plans underway to train 1,000 recruits under the NSA’s initiative.
Metchie encouraged other states and the FCT to adopt similar measures, saying wider participation would “accelerate gains already being recorded.”
The Special Guard Initiative introduces a joint operational framework involving unified training, shared intelligence, and co-funded deployments between federal and subnational authorities.
Metchie described the arrangement as “one of the most coordinated security partnerships seen in recent years.”
The security expert also commended President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the forest guard system and providing operational authority to the NSA. He noted that the recent appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.) as Minister of Defence further strengthens the overall national security outlook.
Metchie identified several factors he believes will support the initiative:Nigeria’s extensive forests have long served as hideouts for armed groups.Conventional policing is not designed for deep-forest operations.The forest guards are being trained specifically for this terrain.Integrated technology — including drones and night-operation systems — is being introduced.
Metchie said that with consistent training, improved equipment and state participation, Nigeria could record substantial progress in its security operations.
“The efforts being made now represent a significant shift. Sustaining this momentum will be key,” he noted.
The NSA’s Forest Guard Initiative is emerging as a major security reform supported by federal directives, state collaboration and legislative engagement.
Analysts believe the initiative could help recapture ungoverned spaces and strengthen security across forest corridors nationwide.
Metchie concluded: “This is Renewed Hope in action. The initiative is taking shape across the country, and its impact will continue to grow as more states come on board.”
AWC will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Nigerian Forest Security Service Special Guard Initiative as implementation advances.
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