Nigeria Deploys 7,000 Forest Guards

• Nigeria Deploys 7,000 Forest Guards to Combat Banditry and Terrorism

The Federal Government of Nigeria has graduated over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards from seven frontline states, deploying them to strengthen security and protect the country’s forests from criminal exploitation. The guards completed a three-month intensive training program under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025.

Training and Deployment

The Forest Guards underwent rigorous physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations. They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actions. Deployment is immediate, with salaries and allowances commencing forthwith.

Securing Nigeria’s Forests

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stated that the guards will support security agencies in reclaiming territories and protecting communities. The initiative aims to deny terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains .

Key Objectives

– *Reclaiming Territories*: The Forest Guards will work with security agencies to reclaim territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.

– *Community Protection*: They will serve as first responders and community protectors, gathering intelligence and supporting security agencies.

– *Environmental Conservation*: The guards will also focus on environmental conservation principles and human rights.

Participating States

The seven frontline states involved are Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi.