Decentralized Security and Crime Control: Assessing the Effectiveness of Forest Guards in Kwara State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Akeem Ayanda ARABA Department of Politics & Governance, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Kwara State University, Malete
  • Kafayat Toyin ARABA Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State
  • Tawakalitu Bola YUSUF Department of Social Justice and Security Studies, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Kwara State University, Malete
  • Taoheed Opeyemi MUHAMMED Department of Politics & Governance, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Kwara State University, Malete

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-26-23

Keywords:

Decentralized security;, Crime control;, Forest guards;, Local governance, Kwara State;, Nigeria

Abstract

The persistence of insecurity and criminal activity in Nigeria has intensified debates over the limits of centralized
policing and the need for decentralized, community-based security arrangements. In Kwara State, the
establishment of Forest Guards represents a subnational response to forest-based crimes such as kidnapping,
banditry, illegal logging, and illegal mining, which thrive in remote and weakly governed terrains. This study
assesses the effectiveness of Forest Guards in enhancing crime control and local security governance in Ifelodun, Asa, and Kaiama LGAs. Anchored in decentralized security governance and routine activity theory, the study adopts a mixed-methods design, combining survey data from 362 respondents across key stakeholder groups with secondary sources. Findings reveal that Forest Guards play important roles in patrol, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. Respondents report moderate reductions in forest-based crimes through deterrence and improved monitoring. However, effectiveness is constrained by logistical, institutional, and legal
challenges, including inadequate equipment, poor welfare, and unclear statutory mandates. The study concludes that strengthening legal frameworks, coordination, and funding is essential for sustainable impact.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

ARABA, A. . A., ARABA, . K. T. . ., YUSUF, . T. . B. ., & MUHAMMED, T. O. . (2026). Decentralized Security and Crime Control: Assessing the Effectiveness of Forest Guards in Kwara State, Nigeria. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 13(2), 161–184. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-26-23

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

The published articles are subject to copyright law. All rights are reserved to the “Carol I” National Defense University, regardless of whether all or part of the material are considered, especially the rights to translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, quotations, broadcasting through the media, reproduction on microfilms or any other way and storage in data banks. Any replicas without the associated fees are authorized provided the source is acknowledged.