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•Graduates 965 special squad officers
By Sunday Ani
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the protection of lives and property, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through the expansion of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.
Under his coordination, the Federal Government has expanded and restructured the Nigeria Forest Security Service, equipping officers with specialized training and operational tools to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, illegal activities within forest regions and rural insecurity across vulnerable communities.
According security analysts, the initiative was designed to close the long-standing security gaps in Nigeria’s forest belts, often exploited by criminal elements.
Speaking at the passing out parade of 965 men of the National Forest Guard (Special Squad), in Osun State, stakeholders emphasized the significance of the new force in reinforcing and complementing national security.
Out of the 965 members of the special squad trained, 265 were from Gombe State, while others came from various other states across the country.
This brings to a total of 3472, the number of men trained on this NSA special squad scheme of the Nigeria Forest Security Service Initiative to complement what the police and the Nigerian Armed Forces are doing.
Addressing the graduating officers, Ribadu, who was represented at the event by DCP Mohammed Ahmadu (retd), stated that the men had received adequate training to effectively carryout the charge by the NSA to neutralize all forest-based crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and others.
A resource person on the course, John Metchie, charged the new officers to uphold courage and discipline, integrity and patriotism as well as professionalism in service to the nation
“You are stepping into a duty that demands vigilance and honour. Your uniform is a symbol of trust. Carry it with pride as you serve Nigeria,” he advised.
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The leadership and training instructors were also commended for shaping the officers into a formidable force ready for deployment, as awards were given to outstanding trainees.
The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader objective of restoring security nationwide, particularly in rural, forested and ungoverned areas, where criminal networks have thrived.
The NSA’s strategy is widely seen as a proactive and intelligence-driven approach, combining community-based security structures, specialized tactical units and inter-agency collaboration
At the event, members of the Special Squad Course 4 paid tribute to the NSA and his representative, DCP Mohammed Ahmadu.
They described Metchie as a mentor and peace ambassador, whose guidance has shaped their professional and personal values.
They praised his commitment to justice and truth, dedication to mentoring young officers and roles in fostering unity, discipline and resilience.
They equally highlighted his influence in building a cohesive and purpose-driven security force, capable of confronting Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
With the deployment of the newly trained forest guards in the coming days, authorities expect improved security in rural and forest zones, disruption of criminal hideouts and enhanced confidence among local communities.
The expansion of the Nigeria Forest Security Service under Ribadu underscores a renewed, structured push to secure Nigeria from the grassroots, reinforcing President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
