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The Nigerian government has ordered the immediate deployment of more than 7,000 newly recruited forest guards across seven frontline states, following the completion of a three-month training programme.
The graduates were trained under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, launched in May 2025, and drawn from Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, according to a statement from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Ministry spokesperson Rabiu Ibrahim stated that the trainees underwent intensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle drills, and long-range patrol simulations, to prepare them for sustained operations in the forest.
“They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, including movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actions—equipping them to deny criminal elements any form of sanctuary within Nigeria’s forest spaces,” Ibrahim hinted.
“Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism. The curriculum placed significant focus on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians. Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies.”
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority 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. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.” Ribadu said while speaking at the ceremonies.
Ribadu also confirmed that deployment will commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty.
“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.
