Taraba State to Integrate Hunters and Forest Guards for Enhanced Security

The Taraba State Government is initiating a plan to merge local vigilantes, hunters, and forest guards into a cohesive security structure in order to better combat insecurity in the region.

Once fully operational, this integration is expected to enhance community policing efforts and streamline responses to issues such as kidnapping and banditry.

The state government has commenced discussions on establishing a unified command structure for these local security groups, to be overseen by the Taraba State Marshal.

CP Agyole Abeh (rtd), the Commandant of the Taraba Marshal, made this announcement in Jalingo, revealing that a bill aimed at facilitating this initiative has been submitted to the State House of Assembly.

Abeh pointed out that the proposed law would create an organized system for local security outfits under the Taraba Marshal, thereby improving coordination and intelligence sharing.

Additionally, the state authorities are investing in security infrastructure, which includes drone stations and specialized equipment to aid these operations.

He highlighted that legislative discussions on this bill started last year and that it has already undergone its first reading.

“The executive bill, put forward by Governor Agbu Kefas as part of his 2025–2026 security reforms, aims to bolster community policing and enhance the cooperation of local security providers in addressing issues like banditry and abductions,” Abeh stated.

He further elaborated that this initiative will lead to improved safety, stronger community trust, and better collaboration among various security agencies.

Abeh also mentioned that the Taraba Marshal Security Guard was founded under the Taraba State Marshal Security Guard Law of 2021 to supplement the responsibilities of federal security agencies.

He stressed the significance of local personnel in gathering intelligence, pointing out that hunters and vigilantes possess critical knowledge of their environments and can assist the police, military, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps during operations.