By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the Federal Government has commenced the deployment of Forest Guards across the 36 states of the federation as part of efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in Nigeria’s forests.
Ribadu disclosed this at the passing-out parade of 530 newly trained Forest Guards held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, Kogi State. He was represented by Brig.-Gen. Hillary Mabeoku.
He said the nationwide recruitment of Forest Guards aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is aimed at restoring security in the nation’s forests to support agriculture, commerce and other economic activities.
The NSA charged the graduating personnel to serve with integrity and dedication, urging them to ensure that forests across the country no longer serve as safe havens for criminal elements.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the graduation as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s security architecture, stressing that governments must build institutions capable of preventing insecurity rather than merely reacting to it.
Represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, the governor said the state was investing in people and institutions to ensure that forests remain centres of economic opportunity instead of sanctuaries for criminals.
“This passing-out ceremony is more than the end of a training programme. It is a declaration of our commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that every lawful effort to keep our communities safe receives full government support,” he said.
Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the National Forest Guards programme, describing it as a bold step towards strengthening community-based security and expanding peace and stability across the country.
He also praised the National Security Adviser and heads of the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Park Service for their collaboration in the successful implementation of the initiative.
The governor disclosed that 539 candidates were initially recruited into the Kogi State Forest Guards programme, with 530 successfully completing the training. He noted that the new operatives would support intelligence gathering, protect legitimate economic activities within forest reserves, deny criminals operational bases and work closely with conventional security agencies to maintain law and order.
