The newly established unit will be well-trained, fully armed, and strategically deployed to flush out illegal occupants and secure these vast natural territories. This security measure is a collaborative effort between the Federal and State Governments, reflecting a unified commitment to restoring law and order across the country’s forest regions.
President Tinubu has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment to oversee and ensure the full implementation of this initiative. Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be recruited into the Forest Guard Unit, offering them not only employment but also the opportunity to serve their nation in a critical capacity.
Reaffirming his administration’s tough stance against insecurity, President Tinubu declared that no inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals. “We will take back our forests, restore peace, and protect our people,” he vowed.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by state governments to enhance forest security. For instance, the Ebonyi State Government has confirmed the recruitment of 2,600 youths as forest guards to support the fight against insecurity in the state. These recruits will serve under the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), representing 200 persons per Local Government Area (LGA) across the state's 13 LGAs.
Similarly, Katsina State has announced plans to recruit 70 forest guards as part of measures to protect the state's forest resources.
The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), established in 2021, has evolved into a significant player in Nigeria's fight against insecurity. Originally created to monitor forest activities and protect wildlife, the NHFSS now plays an instrumental role in maintaining peace and security, particularly in Nigeria's rural and forested regions. These areas have often been breeding grounds for armed groups, including Boko Haram, Islamic State - West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various bandit gangs, who exploit the vast forests as hideouts.
Security experts have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s plan to deploy better-equipped Forest Guards. Some argue that the creation of Forest Guards would not effectively address kidnappings and banditry, emphasizing the need for specialized police and DSS units trained in hostage rescue and tactical operations. Others suggest a technological approach, assembling electronic security experts to collaborate with security agencies in tracking kidnappers operating from forest areas.
Despite these debates, the establishment of the Forest Guard Unit represents a significant step towards enhancing national security and reclaiming Nigeria's forests from criminal elements.
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