In a bold move to address the rising security threats posed by terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a national forest guard initiative aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s 1,129 forests.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 14th May 2025, by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare. According to Dare, the initiative will involve the recruitment, training, and deployment of well-armed and professionally trained forest guards, under a joint taskforce led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The mission of the new security outfit is to flush out criminal elements using forests as hideouts and to transform these once ungoverned areas into zones of safety and productivity. President Tinubu has reiterated his administration's resolve to "take back the forests" and restore peace and lawful order across affected regions.
Beyond enhancing national security, the forest guard initiative is also seen as a strategic employment scheme. Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be absorbed into the new force, addressing the challenge of youth unemployment while strengthening internal security architecture.
The federal government has emphasized the importance of collaboration with state governments to ensure effective territorial coverage and coordination. Oversight for recruitment and deployment will rest with the NSA and Ministry of Environment.
This development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s broader security and environmental management strategy, symbolizing the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reclaim ungoverned spaces and secure the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
