We’ll consider deployment, equipping forest guards to tackle insecurity with modern technology – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has hinted that his administration would be considering the deployment of forest guards to fight the scourge of insecurity in the country.

Tinubu said this while receiving members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, according to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale.

He said the guards would be better equipped with modern technological gadgets and weapons to strengthen security.

According to the statement, the President also disclosed that the solid mineral and marine economic sectors will also be secured by special police.

“On security, the President said the deployment of forest guards was being considered, with better training, modern technological gadgets and weapons to strengthen security, and that the solid mineral and marine economic sectors will also be secured by special police

“We have a big marine economy, and I do not see why we should not have the marine police. We will have the same in solid minerals to keep the scavengers away. I am ready to invest in security. We will buy our own minerals and keep them in reserves, especially gold, which will be effective in our foreign exchange reserve,’’ the President told the governors.

Nigeria has continued to struggle with insecurity, particularly in the northeast, which has been the focus of relentless attacks from deadly extremist organisations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) for more than 10 years.

In other areas, such as the northwest and North-central, where residents are coping with ethno-religious crises and hearers/farmers chases the violence has also intensified. These events have severely impacted agricultural output and other revenue streams, cut off vital utilities, and increased the number of displaced people.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that 8.4 million people, primarily in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY), may require humanitarian assistance in 2022.

APC Govs to work for all Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu also urged governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform to prioritize the interests of all Nigerians in their policies, and to always consider the national interest above political affiliations.

The President emphasised that development policies can only be relevant to people’s lives when they are inclusive, owned by the people, and sustainable.

During a meeting with the governors, President Tinubu highlighted that the biggest challenge faced by the nation is divisiveness.

Speaking further, the president emphasised the importance of the governing party working towards healing and unifying the country by establishing a collective national vision and channeling energy and resources towards nation-building.

“You can convert people. You can appeal to people to come to your side,’’ he stated.

The President said Nigeria is too blessed with human, natural, and material resources to be struggling with a dearth of quality infrastructure, quality education, and world-class health facilities.

He said the entire financial system of the country would be re-engineered for inclusivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.

“We have no reason to be poor. Looking back on where we are coming from, where we have been, why we are facing infrastructural decay, a lack of quality and comprehensive education, as well as a lack of health facilities. We are not a cursed country, but blessed,’’ the President said.

The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, thanked the President for involving governors in the design and implementation of polices, as well as for intervening with financial support in the states.

“We will continue to support you as your able ambassadors, willing ambassadors, and capable ambassadors,’’ Governor Uzodinma said.