President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately intensify the training and arming of additional forest guards as part of urgent measures to confront persistent security threats across the country. The President stressed that Nigeria must deploy all available forces to protect its people from kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities.

Reinforcing his stance, President Tinubu declared that the safety of Nigerians remains a top priority, noting that criminal elements continue to exploit forested areas as operational hideouts. He emphasized the need to deny criminals any safe haven through the deployment of well-equipped and properly trained personnel to secure the nation’s vast forest reserves and restore safety to affected rural communities.

The directive builds on earlier approvals for the establishment of a national forest security service and complements recent actions, including the declaration of a national security emergency and calls for expanded recruitment across security agencies. The Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with relevant ministries, has been tasked with ensuring swift implementation to strengthen nationwide security and protect lives and property.