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By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has charged newly trained Forest Guards to play a frontline role in protecting Nigeria’s forests, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening security across vulnerable communities.

Speaking through Major General Hillary Mabeokwu at the graduation ceremony held on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, Kogi State, Ribadu said the Forest Guards have been entrusted with a dual responsibility of securing the nation’s forest reserves and supporting efforts to combat criminal activities that often thrive in remote and forested areas.

He disclosed that the newly trained personnel would be deployed immediately to various parts of the country to enhance security, protect local communities and support ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens within Nigeria’s forests.

The NSA urged the graduates to discharge their duties with professionalism, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to ethical standards, respect for human rights, gender sensitivity and compliance with both national and international legal frameworks in the course of their operations.

According to Ribadu, the establishment of the Forest Guards initiative underscores the Federal Government’s determination to address emerging security threats and ensure the safety of citizens across the country. He noted that the nation has placed enormous trust and confidence in the personnel and expects them to serve with integrity, honesty and dedication.

The NSA also commended the military and paramilitary agencies involved in the training programme, praising their commitment and collaboration in preparing the recruits for their critical national assignment.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture through strategic partnerships and innovative security initiatives. He declared that no part of Kogi State’s forests would be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for criminals.

Governor Ododo described the graduation of the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards as a significant milestone in the collective effort to enhance security and restore public confidence. He said the ceremony represented more than the completion of a training programme, noting that it symbolised a renewed commitment to transforming forests into centres of lawful economic activities rather than hideouts for criminal elements.

The governor further lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conceptualising and supporting the National Forest Guards programme, describing it as a bold and forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening community-based security and improving surveillance across Nigeria’s vast forest reserves.

He expressed confidence that the deployment of the Forest Guards would complement the efforts of existing security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering and contribute significantly to the fight against kidnapping, banditry, illegal logging and other forms of criminality often associated with forested areas.

The graduation ceremony marked a major step in the Federal Government’s strategy to improve forest governance, boost rural security and ensure that Nigeria’s forests contribute positively to national development and economic growth rather than serving as operational bases for criminal networks.