FG Urged to Establish Forest Guards to Curb Highway Kidnapping

By Achadu Gabriel

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been called upon to establish a forest guard to tackle the growing menace of kidnapping on the nation’s highways. This urgent appeal was made by Mr. Amah A. Amah, Director General of the African Writers Centre, in a statement released on Saturday.

The threat of kidnapping on the highways

As the year 2024 draws to a close, many Nigerians are embarking on end-of-year holiday plans, but a lingering concern remains: the threat of kidnapping on the highways. The recent abduction of 14 passengers traveling from Port Harcourt to Abuja on a God is Good Motors bus is a stark reminder of this danger. The incident occurred on November 30, 2024, around Obajana, just after the Dangote refinery, as the bus headed towards Lokoja in Kogi State.

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, on February 3, 12 passengers of GIGM and 2 of ABC Transport were kidnapped in Kogi on the same highway. In August, the Anambra State Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, and his wife were kidnapped while traveling to Abuja. Additionally, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted in Benue State in mid-August.

The frequency and severity of these incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s highways, particularly those traversing large expanses of forested areas

The frequency and severity of these incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s highways, particularly those traversing large expanses of forested areas. The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has proposed a strategic plan to maintain a full presence and guard in all forests, ensuring 24-hour surveillance and dedicated security. The plan also includes clearing 10 meters on both sides of the expressway to prevent sudden attacks or ambushes.

The NFSS has emphasized the need for government backing through the enabling Act of the National Assembly to establish the Nigeria Forest Security Service. With this support, the forests can be transformed from no-man’s land to secure areas under 24-hour surveillance.

The Federal Government is urged to take immediate action to address the growing concern of highway kidnapping

As the yuletide season approaches, the Federal Government is urged to take immediate action to address the growing concern of highway kidnapping. The establishment of a forest guard, as proposed by the NFSS, could be a crucial step in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian travelers.