The Federal Government has deployed more than 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards to seven frontline states as part of efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria’s forest reserves.
The deployment was announced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following the completion of a three-month intensive training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2025.
Graduation ceremonies were held simultaneously on December 27, 2025, in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states, after which the operatives were cleared for immediate field deployment.
The initiative is aimed at reclaiming forest areas that have been used as hideouts by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, through a coordinated Federal–State security intervention.
During training, the guards were equipped with skills that combine environmental protection and security operations, including long-range patrols, ambush response and rescue missions
The programme also placed strong emphasis on ethics, human rights and International Humanitarian Law, while weapons handling followed a strict multi-agency framework.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the Forest Guards as an important addition to Nigeria’s security framework. He noted that the operatives, who are drawn from the local government areas where they will serve, possess valuable knowledge of the terrain and enjoy community trust, giving them an advantage in denying criminal groups safe haven.
Ribadu confirmed that all certified trainees would proceed immediately to their duty posts, with salaries and allowances commencing without delay.
According to ONSA, the programme recorded a 98.2 per cent completion rate. While 81 trainees were disqualified for disciplinary reasons and two died due to pre-existing medical conditions, the remaining personnel have been fully cleared for operations.
The Forest Guards Initiative is being implemented through collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services, the National Park Service and the Armed Forces, operating under a unified command structure.
