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| Tinubu commits tech plan to forest security |
President Bola Tinubu pledged to reclaim forests in the Northwest using new technology. He spoke at a state dinner in Katsina on May 2, 2025. His spokesman shared details of his plan in a public statement.
He said the federal government will use drones, sensors, and data links to scan forest areas. He said forest control will target bandits and terror cells. He said the effort will involve federal, state, and local teams.
Nigeria’s forests in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto provide cover for armed gangs. These forests stretch over hundreds of square miles. They offer caves, thickets, and remote paths for escape.
On May 2, bandits killed 11 villagers in Sokoto state. They struck three communities near sunset and fled fast. Troops, police, and civil defenders quickly launched a joint manhunt.
Bandit attacks in the Northwest rose by 731 percent from 2018 to 2022. They left over 8,300 people dead and over 9,500 kidnapped by early 2024. These figures account for 62 percent of all national abductions.
In June 2024, RouteWatch logged 277 attacks and 684 deaths in Katsina alone. An April 8, 2025 twin raid killed six villagers and seized 59 hostages. These raids started from camps in Rugu Forest.
At least 120 villages have been razed by bandits in the Northwest. Over 247,000 people were forced from their homes by 2020. More than 77,000 fled into Niger during the worst raids.
Katsina state drew zero foreign direct investment in the first nine months of 2024. It ranked among 34 states with no new capital. Nearby Kaduna was the only northern state to attract new FDI.
Two factories closed in Katsina between 2020 and 2024. Nationally, 102 plants shut due to insecurity and rising costs. These closures cut jobs and hurt local livelihoods.
President Tinubu tied security to investment confidence. He warned that investors avoid unsafe zones. He said safe forests will draw new business.
He praised the armed forces and vowed to improve their welfare. He promised better pay, housing, and healthcare for troops. He urged soldiers to stay firm and brave in the fight.
He said technology will help shift from reaction to prevention. He said real-time sensors will spot hidden camps fast. He said data links will share intel with troops on the ground.
Modern drones use thermal imaging to see through thick canopies. Lidar sensors map forest terrain with high precision. Such tools overcome visual limits of standard cameras.
Satellite imagery and AI will track movement in remote areas. Geospatial data will flag odd gatherings near borders. Alerts will guide ground teams to hotspots.
AI can predict bandit routes based on past attacks. Predictive models spot likely targets and timing. This lets forces set patrols before raids occur.
A mobile app could let villagers report strange activity quickly. Crowdsourced tips will flow into central command hubs. Fast alerts will cut response times drastically.
Experts note that tech gives short‑term wins but police reform remains vital. They say better roads and supply lines help patrols. Long‑term change needs both new tools and trained officers.
Officials say upgrades will need large budgets and strong will. They say joint public and private funding can help. States will add security items in their 2025 budgets.
Governors from seven states backed the plan at the dinner. They agreed to form a joint security task force. They will meet soon to align state budgets with federal plans.
Civil groups urge citizens to share tips via hotlines and apps. They say this will boost tech tools. They call for secure and free reporting channels.
Two years into Tinubu’s term, insecurity still haunts many states. Killings and raids persist in rural areas. Critics warn tech alone can’t fix deep‑rooted conflicts.
Underfunded forces patrol a long, porous border with less than 2,000 staff. They often lack gear for dense forest combat. They rely on local militias to fill gaps.
Local vigilante groups and hunters formed self‑defense teams in many areas. They have clashed with troops on some patrols. They now seek formal training and support.
The forest borders Niger, letting arms and fighters flow freely. Smugglers bring weapons across an undefended frontier. Strong patrols will need cross‑border cooperation.
Some bandit cells link with Boko Haram and ISWAP for bombs and scouts. Experts warn these ties worsen attacks’ scope and lethality. Breaking those links is key to lasting peace.
Rugu Forest hosts over 100 armed camps across seven local areas. It spans parts of Katsina and Jigawa states. It serves as a safe base for raids on farms and roads.
The government will set up aid centers for freed hostages. They will offer trauma counseling and job training. Local leaders will guide victim reintegration programs.
Tinubu said the federal government will upgrade Katsina Airport for jobs. The ₦54 billion project will add cargo and passenger terminals. It will create 2,700 direct jobs.
He said federal, state, and local councils will work as one. He named governors who attended and thanked them for support. He urged councils to share intel with the military.
Joint security committees will plan tech rollouts by July 2025. They will train officers in drone use and data handling. They will issue quarterly updates on progress.
The tech push offers hope for forests and farming communities. Success depends on funding, training, and trust among all partners. Will tech alone end forest banditry?