\n\nThe Federal Government has commenced the recruitment of thousands of forest guards as part of a renewed effort to strengthen security across Nigeria’s forests and tackle rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and illegal activities.
The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at reclaiming forest reserves that have become hideouts for criminal groups operating in different parts of the country. The new forest guards will work closely with security agencies, state governments, and local communities to improve surveillance and respond more effectively to security threats.
According to government officials, the recruitment exercise will prioritize qualified Nigerians from communities located near forest reserves, as they possess valuable knowledge of the terrain. Successful recruits will undergo intensive training in intelligence gathering, surveillance, emergency response, and the responsible use of security equipment before deployment.
The government says the programme is also expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians while contributing to safer communities. Authorities believe that strengthening security in forests will disrupt criminal operations, improve safety for farmers, travellers, and rural residents, and support economic activities in affected regions.
Security analysts have welcomed the move but stressed that its success will depend on adequate funding, continuous training, proper oversight, and strong collaboration between federal and state authorities. They also called for improved intelligence sharing to ensure the initiative delivers lasting results.
The recruitment marks one of the Federal Government’s latest strategies to address Nigeria’s security challenges and restore confidence in communities that have experienced repeated attacks in recent years.
