President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards to secure the country's 1,129 forests, marking a significant step in addressing security challenges. The forest guards will undergo rigorous training and will be armed to effectively perform their duties, focusing on flushing out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding in the forests.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments, with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment overseeing the implementation. Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed as forest guards, providing employment opportunities while enhancing national security.
The decision to establish forest guards comes as no surprise, given the alarming rate of insecurity in Nigeria's forests, which have become safe havens for terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements. President Tinubu's administration has vowed not to surrender an inch of the country's territory to these groups, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming and securing Nigeria's forests.
The Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has welcomed this development, recognizing the potential for enhanced security collaboration. The NHFSS has been working closely with the police and other security agencies to protect lives and property in ungoverned areas, including forests.
The establishment of forest guards is expected to significantly improve security in Nigeria's forests, reducing the incidence of kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry.
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