FG graduates over 7,000 forest guards, ready for immediate deployment

The Federal Government, via the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of more than 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards from seven key states. This follows a rigorous three-month training regimen under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, which was launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025.

This initiative is a coordinated effort between federal and state security agencies aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal activities.

Graduation ceremonies took place on December 27, 2025, in the states of Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi. The program is intended to enhance Nigeria’s internal security framework by eliminating safe havens for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal organizations within forested and remote areas.

The training was presented in an intensive, structured format aimed at transforming dedicated Nigerians into agile, disciplined field operatives. The curriculum merged environmental conservation with advanced security skills, creating a well-rounded, professional, and operationally-ready force.

Participants engaged in rigorous physical and mental preparation, which included endurance workouts, obstacle navigation exercises, and extended patrol simulations, all intended to equip them for ongoing operations in forest environments.

Training also covered essential tactical skills, such as movement strategies, responding to enemy contact, ambush tactics, rescue missions, and coordinated offensive maneuvers, all designed to prevent criminal elements from finding refuge in Nigeria’s forests.

A key component of the program was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism, focusing on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and civilian protection. Weapons handling and use-of-force guidelines were strictly governed by an Arms Management Manual, agreed upon by all collaborating agencies.

During the ceremonies, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu referred to the initiative as a crucial measure for reinstating state authority and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just personnel in uniforms. They serve as first responders, community protectors, and vital participants in Nigeria’s security framework. They will maintain presence, gather intelligence, and assist security forces in reclaiming areas previously controlled by criminals.”

The NSA confirmed that deployment will begin immediately, with no delays following graduation.

“There will be no waiting period between graduation and deployment. Pay and benefits will start right away, and every certified guard will head directly to their assigned posts,” he declared.

The training program achieved a completion rate of 98.2 percent, with 81 trainees disqualified for disciplinary reasons and two others who unfortunately passed away due to existing medical issues. All successful candidates have been certified and are ready for active service.

The newly graduated Forest Guards are locals from their respective communities, enabling them to utilize their knowledge of the terrain and build trust with residents to combat banditry, kidnapping, and illegal forest resource exploitation.

The Nigerian Forest Guard initiative is a multi-agency national security effort established under the guidance of the National Security Adviser, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally managed by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service.

The program benefits from strategic insight and operational coordination with the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ensuring unified command and clear operational goals.

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

In closing, the NSA reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, stating: “By safeguarding our forests, we are securing our territories. And by securing our territories, we protect our people. The Federal Government will not waver in this mission. This initiative aims to expand nationally as part of our ongoing efforts to create a safer, more secure Nigeria.”