"Nigeria's New Forest Guards: A Bold Move to Reclaim the Nation's Green Heart from Banditry" — APC Chieftain Alhaji Ismail Adebayo Yisa OMOADE

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

October 3, 2025 – Abuja 

In a significant stride towards enhancing national security and bolstering job creation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the establishment of the Forest Guards of Nigeria, a dedicated security outfit aimed at safeguarding the nation’s 1,129 forests ravaged by criminal elements. The initiative, unveiled on October 3, 2025, represents a strategic response to the alarming rise of banditry and terrorism that has plagued these vital areas.

The announcement came via a statement from Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, who shared the details on his official X account. This new security force is not only a pivotal move to reclaim Nigeria’s forests but also a proactive measure towards restoring peace and order to local communities affected by violence and crime.

President Tinubu directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to take the lead in swiftly recruiting personnel for the Forest Guards, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. "The forest guards will be well-trained and armed to flush out terrorists and criminals hiding in our forests," Dare assured, emphasizing the initiative as a concerted effort between both federal and state governments. 

The Forest Guards are expected to employ thousands of young Nigerians, providing much-needed job opportunities while simultaneously addressing the nation’s security challenges. The program dovetails with President Tinubu’s earlier commitment to prevent any part of Nigeria from falling into the hands of criminal elements. "We will take back our forests," he declared, underscoring his administration's determination to dismantle the safe havens currently enjoyed by bandits and terrorists.

The initiative has been welcomed by many stakeholders, including Alhaji Ismail Adebayo Yisa OMOADE, an APC chieftain, who praised the establishment of the Forest Guards as a ‘round move in a round pole.’ This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that immediate and decisive action is required to combat the insidious threats hiding within Nigeria's lush landscapes.

As the NSA prepares to roll out this initiative, there is optimism that the Forest Guards will not only provide boots on the ground in the fight against crime but will also protect the vast natural resources that these forests encompass. Analysts believe that securing the forests will have a dual benefit: enhancing safety for local communities and safeguarding the ecological integrity of Nigeria's woodlands.

The establishment of the Forest Guards marks a crucial chapter in Nigeria's ongoing battle against insecurity. With a clear directive from the highest level of government, the hope is that this initiative will usher in a new era of peace and stability, allowing Nigerians to reclaim their forests and the vital resources they provide. As recruitment processes commence, the nation watches closely, hopeful that the Forest Guards will rise to the challenge ahead and ensure a future free from the terror of banditry. 

 

For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned for more coverage.