The Federal Government has announced the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited forest guards drawn from seven frontline states after completing a three-month training program under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative.
The graduation ceremonies of the forest guards were held on December 27, 2025, in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states.
President Bola Tinubu introduced the plan in May 2025 with the goal of enhancing internal security by preventing terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers from entering forest areas.
He gave each state instructions to hire 2,000 to 5,000 forest guards.
After a seven-month delay, the recruits’ graduation marks the beginning of the Forest Guards.
The Office of the National Security Adviser said in a statement on Saturday that the training program included modules on ethics, legality, and human rights in addition to physical fitness, patrol operations, and tactical movement. Procedures for handling weapons and using force were carried out in accordance with an established Arms Management Manual.
According to the statement, 98.2% of trainees finished the program; however, two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical issues, and 81 trainees were disqualified for disciplinary reasons.
“The training program recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service.
“The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources,” the statement partly read.
According to Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Advisor, the guards will be sent out right now.
According to him, the new employees would assist other security organizations and obtain intelligence and assistance in defending communities that are at risk of assault.
“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.
“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.
“By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he stated.
The Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services, the National Park Service, the military forces, the police, and the civil defense corps are all working together to accomplish the program.
