August 14, 2025 – The Federal Government has begun the process of establishing a forest guards programme as part of efforts to strengthen national security under the Renewed Hope agenda.
This development means that forest guard recruitment will soon commence in all states across the country.
President Bola Tinubu, on May 15, approved the creation of the National Forest Guard system as part of measures to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
According to the directive, each state is expected to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards, depending on its capacity. Before this approval, at least 11 states had already set up forest guard units under various names but had not yet equipped or expanded them to meet national security targets.
Speaking at the inauguration of 46 new vehicles distributed to strategic commands and formations in Abuja, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that he had just attended a programme organised to start the forest guard establishment process.
Ribadu described the initiative as one of several steps being taken to protect communities and safeguard Nigeria’s natural reserves.
He said, “I tell you that what lies ahead is leadership that will transform and better Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope agenda. I’m happy. Whenever things are improving in our country, the opportunity to be part of it is something we are all proud of and grateful to God for.
“Every day, something is happening, it is having a massive impact, and we are witnessing it daily. I’m just coming from an event to start the process of the forest guards. Every single day in our work, something new happens. Maybe quietly and silently, but it is happening.”
The National Security Adviser assured Nigerians that the country’s security affairs are being handled effectively.
“Just to let you know, dear Nigerians, your country is in good hands. Nigeria is handled very well and properly. And we can assure you that we will deliver. We never know what failure is, and this time also, you will also see the result of the work we put in, inshallah.”
Ribadu urged security personnel to stay motivated and committed to their responsibilities.
“Whatever it takes for us to have a peaceful, law and order country, go after the bad people, change things,” he said. He noted that “these last few years have been unprecedented in our country.”
From this development, potential applicants are advised to prepare, as the Federal Government is expected to announce the official recruitment process soon, with details on how the project will be implemented in each state.