Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged President Bola Tinubu to authorize the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Borno State and to dispatch a high-level Federal Government delegation to the state. This appeal comes amid escalating security concerns in the region.
In a statement released on Monday, June 1, Falana referenced the Federal Government's recent actions following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. He noted that President Tinubu had sent a high-powered delegation to Oyo State on Sunday, in response to the May 15, 2026 kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
Falana highlighted that after acknowledging the Nigeria Police Force's insufficient manpower to effectively police the country, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State, in collaboration with the state government. Additionally, the President directed the establishment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the 46 abducted pupils and teachers.
Drawing parallels with the security situation in Borno State, the human rights lawyer argued that the Federal Government should extend similar measures to the North-East state. He stated, "In view of the fact that not less than 415 abducted schoolchildren and other citizens are in the illegal custody of bandits and terrorists in unknown forests in Borno State, President Tinubu should also dispatch a high-powered federal delegation to visit the state in solidarity with the people."
Falana further emphasized, "The President should equally approve the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for the state without any further delay." He stressed that the proposed forest guards must be adequately prepared for their duties, stating, "The forest guards must be well trained and fully equipped to confront the bandits and terrorists who are armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons."
Falana also argued that the Federal Government's endorsement of the forest guard initiative should influence ongoing legal proceedings involving members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service. He added, "Since the Federal Government has now embraced the forest guard initiative, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, should discontinue the criminal case pending at the Federal High Court against the seven leaders and members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service forthwith."
