President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of thousands of youth armed guards to secure forests across the country against increasing attacks by terrorists, kidnappers, and Boko Haram insurgents.
This followed the Federal Government’s announcement in October 2024 that it will soon launch a series of comprehensive measures to secure Nigeria’s vast forest regions, amid rising concerns about deforestation, illegal logging, and the increasing use of forests by criminal elements for illegal activities.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare in a post on his verified X account, @SundayDareSD. confirmed that the latest presidential approval
was part of a renewed national strategy to secure and reclaim Nigeria’s forests from criminal elements.
NewsQuest reports that for more than a decade now, Boko Haram insurgents, in particular, have maintained a stranglehold on the Sambisa forest, in Borno State, exploiting its strategic terrain and resources for sustaining its campaign of terror.
According to Dare, “The decision is aimed at strengthening environmental protection, combat deforestation, and address growing concerns over the use of forests as hideouts by bandits, insurgents, and other non-state actors.
The Presidential aide said that the armed guards will be specially trained, equipped, and deployed across strategic forest zones in collaboration with security agencies.
Dare said that the initiative will assist in flushing out terrorists and criminal gangs who have used Nigeria’s 1,129 forests as safe havens.
He explained that the recruitment drive will be carried out through a coordinated effort between the federal and state governments, with oversight provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Environment.
Dare therefore assured that President Tinubu is firmly committed to securing every inch of Nigerian territory, and will ensure that no part of the country is abandoned to lawlessness.
“To secure the country’s forests, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 forests.
“The President directed that the forest guards be well-trained and armed to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding in the forests.
“The recruitment is a joint effort between the federal and state governments.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment will oversee full implementation.
“Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed for the initiative.
“President Tinubu reiterated that his administration will not surrender any part of Nigeria’s territory to criminals, vowing to take back the forests”, Dare said.
