Nigeria establishes forest guards to reclaim national forests

Omeiza Bilal

In a bold move to strengthen national security and reclaim Nigeria’s forest reserves from criminal elements, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a specialized Forest Guard Unit and the immediate commencement of its recruitment.

The initiative targets the protection of Nigeria’s 1,129 forests, many of which have become hideouts for terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups. The newly established unit will be well-trained, fully armed, and strategically deployed to flush out illegal occupants and secure these vast natural territories.

This security measure is a collaborative effort between the Federal and State Governments, reflecting a unified commitment to restoring law and order across the country’s forest regions.

President Tinubu has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment to oversee and ensure the full implementation of this initiative.

Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be recruited into the Forest Guard Unit, offering them not only employment but also the opportunity to serve their nation in a critical capacity.

Reaffirming his administration’s tough stance against insecurity, President Tinubu declared that no inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals. “We will take back our forests, restore peace, and protect our people,” he vowed.