Forest Guardians: Calls For Paradigm Shift in Nigeria’s National Security Landscape, By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In the dynamic landscape of Nigeria’s security evolution, a revolutionary paradigm is being suggested and unfolding—the era of Forest Guardians. This transformative force, composed of what I term as Forest Police, Forest Civil Defence Corps, Forest DSS (Department of State Services), Forest Military, and the Forest Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, should spark a huge and drastic change in security approaches, standing as a testament to a new vision for the nation’s defense. At its helm should be dedicated Commandants and coordinators, selected for their exemplary leadership and strategic acumen, marking a departure from conventional security approaches.

The Forest Guardians signify more than a strategic shift; they embody a collective commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s future through innovative defense mechanisms. These mechanisms should prioritize community-centric strategies, moral upliftment, and visionary engagement with local leaders, establishing a groundbreaking and non-violent approach to national security.

Commandants, as the visionary leaders of this force, should play a pivotal role in steering the Forest Guardians toward ensuring the safety and well-being of their assigned regions. Their appointment should be based on exemplary leadership qualities, underscoring the importance of visionary leadership in this new security paradigm that suggests aggressive change through non-violent means.

The Forest Guardians epitomize a community-centric ethos. Regular dialogues with local leaders establish trust and enable a proactive security approach tailored to each village’s unique needs. This collaborative defense network ensures a more effective and responsive security architecture.

At the core of the Forest Guardians’ ethos is a commitment to moral upliftment and unbiased recruitment. Prioritizing emotional intelligence and resilience transcends ethnic or religious biases, reflecting dedication to building a force mirroring Nigeria’s rich diversity.

As Nigeria steps into a new security era, the ascent of Forest Guardians signifies more than a mere force; it embodies a vision where security is a shared responsibility. These guardians stand as more than defenders of physical boundaries; they are guardians of unity, diversity, and a harmonious nation. The era of Forest Guardians marks a bold chapter in Nigeria’s security narrative—defined by innovation, unity, and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.

In the aftermath of the tragic Plateau massacre, where over 100 lives were lost, Governor Caleb Mutfwang calls for swift action from security forces to unveil the perpetrators. Amidst grief, the transformative concept of Forest Guardians emerges. Governor Mutfwang highlights a pressing concern: the response time of security forces, especially the Nigerian Army, needs improvement. This echoes past concerns about delayed interventions in Nigeria’s security crisis, emphasizing the urgency for swift responses to prevent further loss of life.

Chidi Amuta’s analysis on national security, as expressed in Thisday newspaper on July 16, 2023, offers a critical perspective on challenges facing Nigeria’s national security. Amuta suggests that addressing these concerns requires innovative ideas, echoing sentiments expressed by individuals and external observers. This is particularly pertinent in the context of reported delays and failures in responding to security crises.

Beyond Amuta’s insights and the acknowledgment of inherited crises by national security chiefs, this exploration delves into a revolutionary paradigm guided by a psychological lens—Forest Guardians. This coalition of Forest Police, Forest Civil Defence Corps, and Forest Military, led by empathetic Commandants, could redefine Nigeria’s security architecture. This pioneering approach acknowledges that true safety arises from understanding, compassion, and a profound connection with people’s psychology.

In this paradigm, guns aren’t the sole instruments of defense. Forest Guardians prioritize cultural and emotional intelligence—an intimate familiarity with the unique emotional landscapes, religious nuances, and dialects of the people they serve. This novel approach transforms the security force into not just protectors but healers of societal wounds.
Forest Guardians grasp the essence of genuine connection with the people, recognizing that their force must mirror the psychological diversity of Nigeria. Inclusive recruitment practices prioritize individuals with a deep understanding of the myriad psychological elements shaping the nation’s collective psyche.

Inclusivity becomes the bedrock of Forest Guardians, ensuring the force reflects Nigeria’s psychological diversity. Individuals with profound insights into collective nuances join the ranks, creating a mosaic resonating with the intricate tapestry of the nation’s psyche.

Forest Presence acts as a catalyst for change, not only in response times but also in reshaping the overall perception of security. By implementing this strategy, leaders demonstrate commitment to citizens’ well-being, reinstating trust in the government’s ability to protect lives. In the aftermath of Plateau’s tragedy, Forest Presence emerges as a beacon of hope, providing a tangible path to a safer future. Nuhu Ribadu, leveraging his police and intelligence background as the National Security Adviser (NSA), can play a pivotal role in endorsing Forest Presence. As a catalyst for change, Ribadu’s support, along with NAS, strengthens the vision of a unified and continuous security presence in vulnerable areas, preventing delays and saving lives.

The Forest Guardian concept envisions specialized units strategically stationed in vulnerable rural areas, armed with a profound understanding of local emotions, religious nuances, and tribal dialects. Emphasizing emotional strength, intelligence, and unbiased professionalism becomes pivotal in bridging the gap between security forces and communities.

Chidi’s psychological insights call for moral upliftment, reasonable pay, and motivation within the security forces, addressing systemic issues highlighted by the Plateau incident. Periodic delayed payment of soldiers’ salaries challenges the efficacy of Ribadu’s claims of improved security, raising questions about low morale and poor leadership trust.

The Forest Guardian Ideals transcend mere security strategy; they signify a departure from the status quo, rejecting delayed responses and committing to rebuilding a fractured nation. As President Bola Tinubu takes charge, the ideals offer a tangible path to redemption.

Tinubu and Ribadu, as architects of this transformation, must act decisively. The Forest Guardian Ideals, emphasizing local connections, psychological insights, and swift responses, address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of Nigeria’s security challenges.

The youth leader’s words serve as a poignant reminder that timely responses and genuine connections matter. As Tinubu and Ribadu embrace the Forest Guardian Ideals, they embark on a journey to heal a wounded nation, safeguard its people, and redefine the narrative of security in Nigeria.

Despite a bleak security landscape inherited by the new administration, Ribadu needs to look forward, make notable improvements, and stop the blaming game, recognizing the complex issues at hand. The Plateau incident raises questions about overall security effectiveness, demanding a multifaceted approach. Common Nigerians grapple with a fractured faith, witnessing a gap between promises and outcomes, posing implications for national unity.

In his role, Ribadu should be tasked with identifying root causes around the shameful religious, ethnic, and economic issues of these incidents, then implementing measures for accountability and corrective action, aligning with Forest Guardian principles. The proposal for substantial and sustained paychecks to Forest Guardian personnel recognizes their sacrifices, ensuring financial stability not only for those involved in maintaining national security in the forest but also for their families, thereby fortifying the broader societal structure.

Dawum’s firsthand account adds emotional weight, emphasizing the collective pain of communities grappling with a flawed security system. The NSA must address the gap between allocated resources and on-the-ground realities, requiring a thorough review of response protocols and coordination among security agencies.

The tragedy exposes psychological wounds intertwined with sectarian divisions, land conflicts, and ethnic accusations. The blame game deepens historical wounds, challenging the idea of a unified Nigeria. Healing and reconciliation necessitate initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and collaboration to rebuild the fractured social fabric.

Nigeria grapples with challenges demanding strong leadership, notably in addressing delayed security responses and systemic issues. Effective leaders, including Ribadu, must commit to understanding, dialogue, and bridging societal divides for real progress.

Socioeconomic struggles for security personnel underscore the need for practical leadership. Acknowledging and addressing these issues require leaders, such as President Tinubu, to move beyond rhetorical promises, demonstrating commitment and foresight.

Forest Presence revolutionizes security perceptions and response times, offering hope for a safer future. Leaders’ commitment builds trust in government capabilities.

Tinubu can lead community policing efforts, engaging citizens for improved security. Enhancing police-community relations fosters trust, contributing to a safer environment.
Tinubu’s transparent governance eases tension, while Forest Guardians prioritize understanding and compassion in security.

Victims in Plateau demand justice, highlighting a shift in Nigeria’s security paradigm. Forest Guardians signify a link between security and citizens’ well-being, fostering unity and resilience.

Nigeria’s security future emphasizes psychological well-being, integrating protection and fortitude. While weaponry is crucial, emotional intelligence, sustained rural engagement, and Forest Guardians are pivotal for enduring security. Deploying these measures signifies a commitment to a safer future after the Plateau tragedy. In this transformative journey, Tinubu and Ribadu redefine security, nurturing the nation’s soul for generations.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. joshodi@nova.edu