Insecurity: FG set to deploy over 7,000 forest guards

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has disclosed the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited forest guards set for immediate deployment.

The graduation of the forest guards drawn from seven frontline states, according to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, followed the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2025.

“The initiative represents a coordinated Federal–State security intervention aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal exploitation.

“The graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States. The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains.

“The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, designed to transform loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives. The curriculum integrated environmental conservation principles with advanced security competencies, ensuring a balanced, professional, and mission-ready force,” the release stated.

Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority and protecting vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements,” Rubadu said.

The NSA confirmed that deployment would commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty.

Governors and Deputy Governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, with other states represented by their Deputy Governors.