Insecurity: FG sets to deploy 7,000 Forest Guards in frontline states

The Federal Government has announced the graduation of more than 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, with immediate deployment to forested areas across seven frontline states.

The programme, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), aims to reclaim Nigeria’s forests from criminal groups and strengthen national security.

It was launched in May 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Graduation ceremonies were held on December 27, 2025, in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi States.

According to ONSA, the guards completed a three-month intensive training programme combining environmental protection with security operations.

Trainees participated in physical conditioning, patrol simulations, tactical movement, rescue drills and coordinated response exercises designed to prepare them for field operations.

The curriculum also emphasised ethics, human rights, and international humanitarian law.

Use-of-force procedures and arms handling were guided by a joint Arms Management Manual.

Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a major step toward protecting communities and restoring state presence in remote areas.

He said the new guards would serve as first responders, gather intelligence and support security agencies operating in forests and difficult terrain.

Ribadu added that deployment and payment of salaries would begin immediately.

ONSA reported a 98.2 percent completion rate.

Eighty-one trainees were dismissed for disciplinary reasons, while two died during the programme due to pre-existing medical conditions.

The guards are drawn from the local government areas where they will be posted, a strategy officials say will improve trust and effectiveness.

The initiative is jointly coordinated by the National Security Adviser’s office, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services and the National Park Service, with support from the Defence Headquarters, the armed forces, police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Governors and deputy governors from participating states attended the ceremonies, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the programme nationwide, saying improved forest security is key to safeguarding lives and livelihoods.