Nigeria, Dec. 28 -- The Kwara State Government has deployed forest guards to protect its forests following weeks of abductions and armed attacks across forested parts of the state, signalling what officials describe as a shift to a more aggressive security posture.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said about 1,000 forest guards completed their training and were deployed on Saturday as part of a joint federal and state security initiative. He said the deployment followed a passing-out parade in Ilorin attended by security chiefs and government officials.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the forest guards initiative would deny terrorists and kidnappers safe haven in Kwara's forests, warning that criminal group...