The Federal Government has announced the creation of a national forest guard aimed at securing Nigeria’s forests from criminal activities. The initiative, which targets 1,129 forests across the country, is designed to remove terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs that have turned these areas into hideouts for illegal activities.
Presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday. He revealed that the recruitment and deployment of forest guards would begin immediately. These guards will be properly trained, armed, and tasked with flushing out criminal elements who use the forests for violent operations.
“This 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 operation,” Dare said.
The initiative also includes the recruitment of thousands of young Nigerians, providing them with job opportunities while simultaneously enhancing national security.
President Bola Tinubu, in his earlier statements, emphasized his commitment to ensuring that no part of Nigeria is controlled by criminals. He vowed to take back Nigeria’s forests from these criminal elements, ensuring the protection of the country’s natural resources and security.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the government to curb insecurity in Nigeria, where forested areas have been frequently used by armed groups to carry out attacks and hide from security forces. With the new National Forest Guard in place, the government aims to bring stability and reclaim control over these vital resources.
