Kwara Forest Guards' Unpaid Allowances Raise Questions Over Welfare, Weapons

Fresh concerns have emerged over the welfare and operational readiness of forest guards deployed to tackle insecurity in Kwara State, following reports of unpaid salaries and allowances, inadequate feeding and shortages of weapons.

Reports published in August alleged that some guards deployed to Kaiama, Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas had spent more than three months in remote locations without receiving promised welfare support. Some reportedly left their posts or began returning to their bases because of the difficulties they faced.

The allegations have raised questions about whether the welfare arrangements supporting the state's forest security operations are keeping pace with the risks confronting personnel in vulnerable communities.

According to the reports, some operatives complained that they had been forced to seek food from residents in communities where they were deployed to maintain security.

The guards reportedly said the arrangement had become difficult because many residents were also struggling with economic hardship and expected the government to provide for personnel it had deployed.

They also expressed concern about their ability to confront heavily armed criminal groups, alleging that some of them lacked weapons and equipment suitable for the dangers they faced.

The claims have not been independently verified by Newsmonger. The exact number of affected personnel, the amount allegedly owed and the present status of the reported deployments remain unclear.

Kwara has faced serious security challenges in parts of its rural communities, particularly areas vulnerable to attacks, kidnapping and the movement of armed criminals through forest corridors.

Forest guards are expected to support conventional security agencies through surveillance, intelligence gathering and operations in difficult terrain.

In December 2025, the Federal Government announced the graduation of more than 7,000 forest guards nationwide, while about 1,000 personnel were reported to have completed training for deployment in Kwara. At the time, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said salaries and allowances would commence immediately after certification and deployment.

The reported complaints therefore raise questions about whether payment commitments and other welfare arrangements have been consistently implemented for personnel in the field.

The Kwara State Government has announced several measures aimed at improving security, including the deployment of trained forest guards and engagements with federal security authorities.

In June 2026, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq met with the Minister of State for Defence to discuss security challenges and seek stronger federal support for vulnerable communities. The government also highlighted the work of its Safer Kwara Security Committee.

However, the reported complaints suggest that the effectiveness of security deployments must also be assessed by examining the conditions under which personnel operate.

Timely payment, adequate feeding, suitable equipment, communication facilities, medical support and reliable emergency backup are important elements of an effective security operation.

When personnel are deployed to dangerous areas without dependable support, their safety and ability to carry out their duties may be compromised.

The Kwara State Government and relevant federal security authorities need to clarify whether allowances or salaries are outstanding, which agency is responsible for the payments and what steps are being taken to address the concerns raised by the guards.

They should also explain the equipment available to deployed personnel, the support provided in remote locations and whether the reports of guards leaving their assigned posts have been investigated.

Newsmonger has not independently established the current payment position or obtained an official response addressing the specific allegations cited in the August reports.

Resolving these questions would help the public understand whether the complaints reflect isolated administrative problems or wider weaknesses in the implementation of the forest security programme.

The concerns go beyond salaries alone. A security programme depends not only on recruiting and deploying personnel but also on ensuring that they can carry out their duties safely and effectively.

Forest guards are expected to help protect communities facing serious security threats. Their welfare and operational readiness should therefore remain a priority for the authorities responsible for their deployment.

The immediate task is to establish the facts, address any verified shortcomings and ensure that the forest security initiative delivers the protection communities need.