FG Begins Recruitment of Forest Guards to Boost National Security
The Federal Government has officially begun the process of establishing a new forest guard system as part of a major initiative to reclaim Nigeria's forest reserves from criminal elements. This plan was approved by President Bola Tinubu on May 15, 2025.
Core Objectives of the Initiative
Reclaiming Forest Reserves: The primary goal is to secure the nation's 1,129 forest reserves, which have become havens for terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.
Enhancing Security: The guards will serve as a crucial component of the national security framework, providing intelligence, conducting patrols, and supporting other security agencies.
Community Engagement: The initiative is designed to be a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments, with an emphasis on recruiting from local communities to leverage their knowledge of the terrain and build trust.
Recruitment and Training Details
Pilot Scheme: The initial phase is not a nationwide recruitment drive. A pilot program has been launched in seven states: Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Niger, Adamawa, and Kwara.
Community-Based Selection: The recruitment process will not follow a traditional public advertisement model. Instead, traditional and community leaders will be tasked with identifying and nominating suitable volunteers from their local areas.
Total Recruitment Target: The plan aims to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards per state, with a national target of over 130,000 armed operatives.
Professional Training: The new guards will undergo rigorous training supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Environment. The training will equip them with the skills and arms necessary to combat criminal activities.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed that the process has been "kick-started" and is part of the government's broader strategy to improve security across the country.
