In a bold move to tackle insecurity and reclaim forestlands from criminal elements, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation and deployment of a new unit of forest guards.
The initiative, which was announced by his media adviser, Mr. Sunday Dare, is aimed at flushing out terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits who have turned Nigeria’s 1,129 forests into hideouts.
The forest guard program will be jointly implemented by federal and state governments, with oversight from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment.
President Tinubu said the guards will be armed, well-trained, and ready to handle complex security threats.
He emphasized that no part of Nigeria would be left in the hands of criminals, as the initiative also offers employment to thousands of young Nigerians.