The Federal Government has graduated more than 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards, marking a major step in efforts to tackle insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and the criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s forests.
The graduation ceremonies, held on 27 December 2025, took place across seven frontline states — Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi — under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched earlier this year.
A Strategic Security Intervention
The initiative, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups safe havens within forests and ungoverned territories.
The recruits underwent an intensive three-month training programme covering physical conditioning, tactical fieldcraft, ambush response, rescue operations and intelligence gathering, equipping them for operations in difficult forest terrains. The training also emphasised ethics, professionalism, human rights and civilian protection, including instruction on International Humanitarian Law and regulated arms handling.
Drawn largely from local communities, the forest guards are expected to leverage their knowledge of terrain and community networks to patrol and protect forests long exploited by criminal elements as hideouts and operational bases.
Immediate Deployment
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu said the guards would be deployed without delay and would work alongside conventional security agencies to hold territory, gather actionable intelligence and reclaim areas previously overtaken by criminal groups.
“By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people,” Ribadu said, stressing that there would be no gap between graduation and deployment.
What It Means for Nigeria
Security analysts say the initiative adds a new layer to Nigeria’s security framework by expanding coverage into remote and previously ungoverned areas. The presence of forest guards is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, act as a force multiplier for existing security agencies, and deter crimes such as illegal logging, mining, kidnapping and terrorism.
Governors React
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the initiative as a “game changer” in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping, saying it would force criminal elements to either flee or face decisive action. He praised President Tinubu for adopting innovative strategies to reclaim forest territories while improving public safety.
According to AbdulRazaq, the forest guards will complement existing security forces and strengthen collaboration with vigilante groups and other local stakeholders.
“Today opens a new chapter in our campaign against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping and opportunistic attacks,” he said.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni also reaffirmed his support for the programme, stressing the importance of harnessing local expertise in addressing insecurity and describing the initiative as a strong example of federal-state collaboration.
Governors and deputy governors from other participating states attended the ceremonies, underscoring broad political backing for the programme.
Outlook
The graduation of 7,000 forest guards represents a significant expansion of Nigeria’s security infrastructure, blending environmental protection with national security objectives. With immediate deployment underway and strong support from state governments, the initiative is expected to reshape security operations in forested and hard-to-reach areas, providing a strategic complement to conventional security forces.
