Nigeria’s forests have increasingly become territories controlled by terrorist groups, offering them cover for illicit activities and criminal operations. As these violent groups infiltrate and settle in various national parks and reserves, they wreak havoc on both local communities and the environment. The forests, which should serve as vital ecosystems, are now turned into breeding grounds for insecurity and devastation. The Alawa, Kainji, and Kamuku national parks are among the worst-hit, with terrorists using these areas for kidnapping, extortion, and even large-scale environmental degradation.
Forests as Terrorist Sanctuaries
In northern and central Nigeria, forests like Alawa, Kainji, and Kamuku have become notorious hotspots for terrorist operations. These areas, rich in biodiversity and natural resources, provide perfect cover for violent groups who carry out criminal activities far from military and law enforcement scrutiny. Alawa, for instance, in Niger state, has seen an influx of terrorists who abduct women and children, often forcing them into slavery or forced marriages. Zainab, a 17-year-old girl abducted from her village, is one of many victims held in such camps.
Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoots, have found refuge in these forests, where they control and exploit the environment. Their activities range from cattle rustling and extortion to abductions for ransom, all financed through illegal operations within these vast wooded areas. The forests provide these criminals with an ability to evade the Nigerian military, making military interventions more difficult and ineffective.
Environmental Damage and Resource Exploitation
The escalating terrorism in these forests is not just a human tragedy but an environmental catastrophe. In their efforts to sustain their operations, these groups engage in large-scale logging, mining, and other activities that contribute to rapid deforestation. In the Kainji and Kamuku reserves, satellite images have revealed alarming levels of logging activity, clearing vast swaths of forest cover. The indiscriminate cutting down of trees for fuelwood and timber has exacerbated soil erosion, global warming, and loss of biodiversity.
In addition to these exploitative practices, the terrorist groups work alongside local civilians, forcing them to pay for the right to harvest wood from the forests. This collaboration between terrorists and civilians has further deepened the exploitation of these natural resources. Geospatial studies show that these activities are often organized, with well-developed road networks and even mining sites within these forests, facilitating the large-scale extraction of resources.
Security Challenges and Military Response
Nigeria’s security forces have struggled to gain control of the forests. The complex geography and dense vegetation make it difficult for soldiers to operate effectively. In regions like Zamfara and Kaduna, where terrorist groups are particularly active, entire villages have been abandoned due to the fear of attacks. These rural areas are often used as transit zones for terrorists, who move freely across state borders, exploiting the vast, ungoverned spaces between them.
The Nigerian government has taken steps to combat this growing threat. In December 2024, over 600 criminals, including terrorists, were arrested in forested areas. However, such interventions remain limited, as the vastness of the forests and the mobility of the terrorists allow them to regroup and continue their operations.
A Call for Urgent Action
The situation in Nigeria’s forest reserves calls for a coordinated, robust approach from both local and national governments. Military operations must be tailored to the terrain, utilizing intelligence and advanced technology to track and dismantle terrorist camps. Environmental protection agencies also need to step up efforts to curb the deforestation caused by illegal logging. More importantly, the government must address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate security infrastructure, to prevent further exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources by criminal elements.
For victims like Zainab’s father, the plight of abducted children remains an urgent issue. Families continue to suffer the emotional toll of losing loved ones to terrorists operating in these forests. While the forests once symbolized Nigeria’s rich natural heritage, they are now a battlefield for survival and a key part of the ongoing security crisis. Only through comprehensive action can Nigeria hope to reclaim its forests and protect its citizens from the ever-growing threat of terrorism.
Excerpts from Thecable
