Taraba to unify hunters, forest guards to tackle insecurity

The Taraba State Government has initiated plans to integrate vigilantes, hunters and forest guards into a unified security framework to tackle insecurity across the state. The move, when fully formalised, is expected to enhance community policing and improve coordination in addressing banditry and kidnapping. The government said it has begun the process of bringing the […]

The Taraba State Government has initiated plans to integrate vigilantes, hunters and forest guards into a unified security framework to tackle insecurity across the state.

The move, when fully formalised, is expected to enhance community policing and improve coordination in addressing banditry and kidnapping.

The government said it has begun the process of bringing the local security outfits under a single structure to be coordinated by the Taraba State Marshal.

The Commandant of Taraba Marshal, CP Agyole Abeh (rtd), disclosed this in Jalingo, noting that a bill to that effect has been presented to the State House of Assembly.

He said the proposed legislation, once passed, would streamline all local security outfits under the Taraba Marshal for effective coordination and intelligence sharing.

Abeh added that the government is also investing in security infrastructure, including drone stations and specialised equipment to support operations.

He noted that lawmakers commenced deliberations on the bill last year and that it has already passed first reading.

“The executive bill, initiated by Governor Agbu Kefas as part of his 2025–2026 security reforms, is designed to enhance community policing and better coordinate the efforts of local security actors in tackling banditry and kidnapping,” he said.

According to him, the initiative will improve security, strengthen community trust and ensure better synergy among security agencies.

Abeh also disclosed that the Taraba Marshal Security Guard was established under the Taraba State Marshal Security Guard Law 2021 to complement federal security agencies.

Abeh emphasised the importance of local actors in intelligence gathering, noting that hunters and vigilantes are familiar with difficult terrains and can support the police, military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in operations.