By Muhammad Garba
In a major boost to Nigeria’s internal security architecture, the Federal Government has graduated over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards and ordered their immediate deployment across seven frontline states to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources.
The graduation followed the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, launched in May 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The programme is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as part of a broader Federal–State strategy to reclaim Nigeria’s vast forestlands from criminal control.
Graduation ceremonies were held simultaneously on 27 December 2025 in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States, marking what security officials described as a decisive step toward restoring state authority in hard-to-reach terrains that have long served as havens for criminal groups.
Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was designed to deny terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers any sanctuary within Nigeria’s forests.
> “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,” Ribadu said.
According to him, there will be no gap between graduation and deployment, as all certified guards are to report immediately to their assigned duty posts.
> “Salaries and allowances will commence immediately. Every certified guard will proceed directly to operational duty,” the NSA assured.
Rigorous Training, Professional Standards
Officials disclosed that the training programme was deliberately structured to be demanding, transforming recruits into disciplined and mission-ready operatives capable of sustained forest operations. The curriculum combined advanced security training with environmental conservation principles, reflecting the dual mandate of protecting lives and preserving forest resources.
Trainees underwent intensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance drills, obstacle courses, long-range patrol simulations, and survival exercises tailored for forest environments. They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft such as movement techniques, ambush response, rescue operations, enemy-contact drills, and coordinated offensive actions.
Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics and professionalism. Recruits received extensive training on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and civilian protection, while arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with a jointly agreed Arms Management Manual.
Out of the total trainees, the programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. Eighty-one recruits were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees died due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants were fully certified and cleared for operational service.
Community-Based Security Approach
A key feature of the initiative is that the Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, a move expected to enhance intelligence gathering, terrain familiarity, and community trust in the fight against insecurity.
The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative established under the strategic leadership of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service.
The programme also draws operational doctrine and strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ensuring unity of command and operational effectiveness.
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, while other states were represented by their Deputy Governors.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve, Ribadu said the initiative would not stop with the initial states.
> “By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he declared.
Security analysts say the deployment of the Forest Guards could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against forest-based criminality, particularly if sustained funding, coordination, and community engagement are maintained.
