National Security: Nigeria Graduates 7,000 Forest Guards, Begins Nationwide Deployment
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Federal Government graduates more than 7,000 Forest Guards and orders their immediate deployment as part of a sweeping security intervention to reclaim forests from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
The graduation, announced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Saturday, follows the completion of a rigorous three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched in May 2025.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu describes the initiative as a critical step in restoring state authority over forested and hard-to-reach areas long exploited by criminal groups.
“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors and a vital layer of Nigeria’s security architecture,” Ribadu says.
He confirms that deployment begins immediately, with no delay between graduation and operational duty. “Salaries and allowances commence at once. Every certified guard proceeds directly to assigned duty posts,” he adds.
According to ONSA, the training combines advanced tactical fieldcraft, endurance drills, long-range patrol simulations and rescue operations, alongside environmental conservation principles.
The programme records a 98.2 per cent completion rate, with 81 trainees disqualified on disciplinary grounds and two fatalities linked to pre-existing medical conditions.
The initiative operates as an inter-agency framework coordinated by the DSS and National Park Service, with strategic input from the Armed Forces, Police and NSCDC.
Ribadu says the programme will expand nationwide. “By securing our forests, we secure our territory. And by securing our territory, we protect our people,” he says.
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