In a significant boost to Nigeria’s internal security, the Federal Government (FG) has announced the graduation and immediate deployment of over 7,000 Forest Guards across seven frontline states.
The move is part of the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025, to deny terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers the use of forests as operational sanctuaries.
The graduation ceremonies took place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States.
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The initiative represents a strategic collaboration between the Federal and State governments to secure “ungoverned” spaces and protect rural communities.
The newly minted guards underwent a rigorous three-month intensive training programme designed to transform them into agile and mission-ready field operatives.
The curriculum went beyond standard security training by integrating environmental conservation with advanced tactical fieldcraft.
The training programme included several key components, beginning with tactical operations such as movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush responses, and rescue missions.
It also emphasised physical conditioning through endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing, and long-range patrol simulations.
In addition, participants received instruction on legal and ethical standards, including human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and the protection of civilians.
Firearms handling was strictly regulated under a jointly agreed Arms Management Manual to ensure the professional and responsible use of force.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who oversaw the initiative, described the guards as a critical “third layer” of the nation’s security architecture.
“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 stated.
The NSA confirmed that there would be “no delay” in their deployment, with salaries and allowances commencing immediately as the guards proceed directly to their assigned duty posts.
The training programme recorded a 98.2% completion rate. While 81 trainees were disqualified for disciplinary reasons and two passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions, over 7,000 were certified for service.
A key advantage of this force is its indigenous composition; the guards were recruited from their own local government areas, ensuring they possess the terrain familiarity and community trust necessary to gather actionable intelligence.
The Nigerian Forest Guard operates under a unified command structure led strategically by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Operational coordination is handled by the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with the National Park Service.
The outfit also works with support partners, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Armed Forces—comprising the Army and Navy—the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governors from the participating states, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) and Mala Buni (Yobe), attended the ceremonies, reaffirming their commitment to the initiative.
The NSA concluded that the programme would eventually expand nationwide as part of the FG’s sustained effort to build a safer Nigeria.
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