April 16, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Fresh concerns have emerged over the welfare and safety of locally recruited forest guards in Kwara State, as operatives lament unpaid salaries, lack of adequate weapons, and rising casualties in ongoing battles against bandits.
Multiple sources revealed that many of the guards, deployed to strengthen security in rural communities, have not received their salaries and allowances since deployment, leaving them demoralised and vulnerable.
According to insiders, the operatives are working under extremely difficult conditions, often relying on outdated and crude weapons similar to those used by local vigilantes, despite facing heavily armed criminal groups.
A trainer involved in the programme disclosed that the lack of proper equipment has significantly increased the risk faced by the guards.
“Most of these forest guards have not been paid, and they are not properly armed. That is why we are recording frequent deaths among them,” the source said.
Findings indicate that operatives stationed in Ifelodun and Kaiama Local Government Areas are among the worst affected, as those regions continue to experience repeated bandit attacks.
Another source described morale among the guards as critically low, with many reportedly abandoning their duty posts out of fear for their lives.
“Those in frontline areas feel neglected. Some are leaving their posts because they are afraid of being killed,” the source said.
The situation has reportedly led to significant casualties, with insiders claiming that no fewer than 20 forest guards have been killed in 2026 alone, many of which have not been publicly reported.
In a distress message, a security officer deployed to Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area described dire living conditions, alleging lack of food, unpaid allowances, and worsening health conditions among personnel.
“We are suffering here. There is no food, no payment. We have been abandoned,” the officer said, adding that a recent bandit attack in the area reportedly left five officers dead.
The officer called for urgent government intervention, urging authorities to verify the attack and provide immediate support.
The revelations have raised serious concerns about the preparedness, welfare, and sustainability of local security initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity in rural communities.
As bandit attacks continue to escalate, calls are growing for authorities to urgently address the challenges facing frontline operatives and strengthen support systems to prevent further loss of lives.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow this developing story.
