FG graduates over 7,000 forest guards, begins immediate deployment

The Federal Government has graduated over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards for immediate deployment across seven frontline states, as part of efforts to reclaim Nigeria’s forests from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

The graduation followed the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2025. The programme is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as a coordinated Federal–State security intervention.

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

The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying criminal groups access to forested and hard-to-reach terrains often used as hideouts and operational bases.

According to ONSA, the training programme was deliberately intensive and demanding, designed to transform participants into disciplined and mission-ready field operatives. The curriculum combined environmental conservation principles with advanced security and tactical skills.

The trainees underwent rigorous physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle drills, and long-range patrol simulations. They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft such as movement techniques, ambush response, rescue operations, coordinated offensive actions, and intelligence gathering.

A strong emphasis was placed on ethics and professionalism, with extensive training on human rights, International Humanitarian Law, gender rights, and civilian protection. Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated under an Arms Management Manual jointly adopted by all participating agencies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the Forest Guards initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority in ungoverned spaces and protecting vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture,” Ribadu said. “They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.”

Ribadu confirmed that deployment would begin immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duties.

“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts,” he stated.

The programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate, with 81 trainees disqualified on disciplinary grounds. Two trainees reportedly died due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been certified and cleared for operational service.

The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, a factor the government believes will enhance terrain familiarity, community trust, and operational effectiveness.

The Nigerian Forest Guard programme is an inter-agency national security initiative led by the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment. It is operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service, with strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Governors and deputy governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, while other states were represented by their deputy governors.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, Ribadu said the initiative would be expanded nationwide.

“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 in its effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said.