The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has strengthened its fight against forest-related crimes through specialised training aimed at improving the capacity of its Rapid Response Teams (RRT) in safe arrests, crowd control and modern law enforcement techniques.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, while closing a 14-day specialised training held at the Mlele Conservation Forces Training Centre, Mlele District Commissioner Alhaj Majid Mwanga said the training marked a new chapter in protecting Tanzania’s forest resources.
He said individuals involved in illegal forest activities should now recognise that TFS officers have acquired modern skills to deal with crimes while respecting the law and human rights.
“Those who were used to the old image of TFS must understand that the agency now has officers equipped with modern control and enforcement skills. Continue protecting our forests, but do so within the limits of the law and without violating people’s rights,” Mr Mwanga said.
The District Commissioner warned people involved in illegal logging, forest encroachment and other activities that threaten national resources, saying the government would continue working with TFS and other security organs to safeguard Tanzania’s forests.
He also commended TFS under Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, saying the agency had undergone major improvements, including increased staffing levels, better working conditions and improved equipment, which had strengthened its ability to carry out conservation duties.
Mr Mwanga said Mlele District had introduced stricter measures to control forest harvesting activities, requiring anyone entering forests for harvesting purposes to have a National Identification Authority (NIDA) identity card, approval from the relevant village authorities and all required legal documents.
He said the measures were aimed at preventing illegal activities and restricting access to forests by individuals without proper qualifications and permits.
Speaking on behalf of the TFS Conservation Commissioner, Acting Western Zone Commander PCO Ali Maggid said the training was part of a national strategy to establish and strengthen Rapid Response Teams across all seven TFS zones.
He said forest criminals had continued to change their tactics, requiring conservation officers to be equipped with modern skills to respond effectively to emerging threats.
“The officers have been trained on safe arrest procedures, management of violent situations and the proper use of force. They have also been reminded to perform their duties while observing laws, regulations and human rights principles,” PCO Maggid said.
He explained that the first phase of the programme involved 40 officers from the Southern and Western zones, but similar training would be extended to RRT units in all TFS zones across the country.
According to PCO Maggid, forests continue to face threats from illegal farming, livestock grazing, settlement expansion and unauthorised harvesting of forest products.
He noted that some TFS officers had been injured or lost their lives while carrying out conservation responsibilities.
He added that TFS would continue educating communities and strengthening cooperation with the Tanzania Police Force and other security institutions to ensure effective protection of forests and bee resources.
Police Superintendent Fadhili Noel Tambale, the lead instructor from the Tanzania Police Force, said the joint training between the police and TFS aimed to improve officers’ capacity in safe arrests and strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in protecting national resources.
One of the trainees, Conservation Ranger II Jacklyn Gibson Tawale from TFS Western Zone, said the skills gained would help officers respond more effectively to forest encroachment and use modern approaches to protect forest resources for present and future generations.
