- Vows to restore security nationwide
- Says no hiding place for criminals
BY EDMOND ODOK – Touted as a bold move by the Federal Government to reclaim Nigeria’s vast forestlands from criminal elements and strengthen national security, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment and deployment of Armed Forest Guards nationwide.
The initiative seeks to drive terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal gangs out of Nigeria’s 1,129 forest zones that have over the years become notorious hideouts criminals.
Unveiling the approval on Wednesday night, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, wrote in a statement posted on his verified X handle @SundayDareSD, that the new Forest Guard Corps (FGC) would be professionally trained and fully armed.
Dare explained that recruitment into the FGC will be jointly undertaken by both the Federal and State governments.
He also hinted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment, will coordinate the implementation of what is considered a multi-layered security and environmental protection initiative.
Dare further said; “The President directed that the Forest Guards be well trained and armed to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding in the forests.
“The recruitment is a joint effort between federal and state governments, while ONSA and the Ministry of Environment will oversee full implementation.”
Furthermore, the Presidential Aide disclosed that thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be engaged under the programme, which aligns with the administration’s push to tackle unemployment while restoring peace to Nigeria’s rural and peri-urban communities.
According to him, President Tinubu also reiterated his firm resolve not to allow any part of Nigeria to remain under the control of non-state actors, declaring that “no inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals.”
