Okocha Morgan Commends Tinubu's Forest Guards Initiative, Calls for Professionalism and Inclusive Recruitment

By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

Abuja, Nigeria — A prominent security and forensic expert, Ambassador Dr. Okocha Morgan, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent establishment of the Armed Forest Guards, describing it as a strategic and timely intervention in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency, banditry, and cross-border criminality.

Dr. Morgan, who serves as the Director General of the Chartered Institute of Security and Forensic Studies, Nigeria, issued the commendation while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday in his office. He emphasized that the Armed Forest Guards, if properly structured and professionally manned, could play a critical role in securing Nigeria’s vulnerable forest belts which have become safe havens for criminal elements, including Boko Haram, kidnappers, and armed bandits.

 “This is a commendable and strategic policy move by the Tinubu administration. However, for the initiative to yield the desired results, it must be built on professionalism, transparency, and community involvement,” Dr. Morgan stated.

Drawing from his expertise in security and forensic sciences, Dr. Morgan advocated for the employment of certified security professionals, particularly graduates of the Institute of Security and Forensic Studies, who, he said, have undergone specialized training in counter-insurgency, surveillance, forensic analysis, and terrain intelligence.

Dr. Morgan further emphasized the tactical readiness of the Institute’s graduates, asserting that they are uniquely prepared to confront the complex challenges posed by criminal elements operating within Nigeria’s forest regions.

 “Graduates from our Institute possess tactical knowledge and field-ready skills that are specifically designed to combat the criminal elements terrorizing our forests,” he stated.

“These are not ordinary criminals—they are dangerous and organized. We need professionals who can outsmart and outmaneuver them, not untrained recruits.”

He added that the Institute’s curriculum combines theoretical foundations in forensic science with practical field simulations, producing security personnel who are mentally, physically, and strategically equipped to respond to modern threats.

“Our Institute has trained thousands of professionals across the 36 states of the federation. These individuals are not only academically sound but are also practically equipped to serve in specialized units such as the Armed Forest Guards,” he noted.

Dr. Morgan warned against the politicization of the recruitment process, which he said could jeopardize the entire initiative. He stressed that meritocracy must guide selection and placement, not political patronage or ethnic favoritism.

 “Let the recruitment process be insulated from politics. Employ based on competence, not connections. The moment political hijackers get involved, the integrity of this security architecture will be compromised,” he warned.

He further recommended that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) should collaborate closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local stakeholders, whose indigenous knowledge of forest terrains can help identify the right personnel and secure community buy-in.

Dr. Morgan also urged the federal government to ensure proper funding and logistical support for the new unit, warning that underfunding and poor morale have historically undermined several security outfits in the country.

 “There must be sustained funding, operational autonomy, and full integration into the national security framework. The Guards should not be a decorative force but a functional and effective one,” he said.

In addition, he emphasized the need for robust inter-agency cooperation, calling for seamless collaboration between the Forest Guards, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Immigration Service—especially in areas bordering Cameroon, Niger, and Chad where criminal elements often transit undetected.

“Intelligence sharing and joint operations are vital. Forest-based criminal syndicates are becoming more sophisticated and transnational. No single agency can tackle them in isolation,” he warned.

Dr. Morgan concluded by encouraging Nigerian youths to seek formal training and certification in security studies. He noted that the Chartered Institute offers flexible learning models, including onsite and online programs, to accommodate a wide range of aspiring professionals.

“Security is no longer a job for just brute force. It requires intellect, training, and forensic awareness. I urge Nigerian youths to equip themselves with the right tools to play a meaningful role in protecting their country,” he advised.

As Nigeria grapples with growing security challenges across its regions, the call for a professional, well-funded, and community-integrated security force resonates with increasing urgency. With the right policies and personnel, Ambassador Morgan believes the Armed Forest Guards could evolve into a pivotal force in reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal dominance.