FG Deploys 7,000 Forest Guards To Reclaim Nigeria’s Forests From Criminals
In a decisive push to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens, the Federal Government has graduated over 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards, setting them on immediate deployment across some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable forested regions.
The guards, drawn from seven frontline states, Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi, completed an intensive three-month training under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched in May 2025.
Graduation ceremonies were held simultaneously on 27 December 2025 in the participating states.
Designed as a coordinated Federal, State security intervention, the initiative aims to reclaim forests long exploited by criminal groups for kidnapping, banditry and insurgent activities.
Trainees were put through rigorous physical conditioning, tactical fieldcraft, endurance patrols and rescue simulations, alongside training in human rights, international humanitarian law and civilian protection.
Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the Forest Guards as a critical layer of Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
He confirmed that deployment would begin immediately, with salaries and allowances activated without delay.
“These guards will hold ground, gather intelligence and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements,” Ribadu said.
The programme recorded a 98.2 per cent completion rate, with all certified guards cleared for operational duties.
Notably, the recruits are indigenous to their local government areas, a strategy expected to enhance terrain knowledge and community trust.
The Forest Guard initiative is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, DSS, National Park Service and other security agencies.
A statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, indicates that the programme will be expanded nationwide as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and livelihoods.
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