Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive move to combat the escalating threat of terrorism, banditry, and criminal activities within Nigeria’s vast forest reserves, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a national forest guard initiative.

The ambitious plan aims to secure all 1,129 forests across the nation, transforming these potential havens for criminals into zones of safety and security.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, who stated that the recruitment and deployment of well-trained and armed forest guards would commence without delay. This joint security effort, spearheaded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment, is mandated to “flush out criminal elements using the forests as hideouts for violent activities,” according to Dare.

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President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized its unwavering commitment to reclaiming Nigerian territory from criminal occupation. In earlier pronouncements, the President vowed that “the country will take back its forests,” underscoring the seriousness with which the government views the security challenges posed by the exploitation of these natural landscapes.

The initiative is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with thousands of young Nigerians slated for recruitment into the forest guard outfit. This strategic move aims to simultaneously bolster national security and address the issue of youth unemployment.

The deployment of armed forest guards represents a significant escalation in Nigeria’s response to the security challenges plaguing various regions of the country. By directly confronting criminals within their forest strongholds, the government hopes to disrupt their operations, rescue victims of kidnapping, and restore peace to affected communities.

The collaboration between federal and state governments is deemed crucial for the success of this initiative. The NSA and the Ministry of Environment will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and operational deployment of the forest guards across the nation’s extensive network of forests.

This development marks a bold step by President Tinubu’s administration to assert control over ungoverned spaces and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens. The immediate implementation of this initiative signals a determined effort to translate the President’s strong rhetoric into tangible action on the ground.