The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through the expansion of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the protection of lives and property.

Strengthening Security from the Forests

Under Ribadu’s coordination, the Federal Government has expanded and restructured the Nigeria Forest Security Service, equipping officers with specialized training and operational tools to tackle:

Terrorism
Kidnapping
Banditry
Illegal activities within forest regions
Rural insecurity across vulnerable communities

Security analysts note that the initiative is designed to close long-standing security gaps in Nigeria’s forest belts, often exploited by criminal elements.

Passing Out Parade Signals Readiness

Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of 965 men of the National Forest Guard (Special Squad), in Osun State, stakeholders emphasized the significance of the new force in reinforcing and complementing national security.

Out of the 965 members of the special squad trained, 265 were from Gombe State, while others came from various other States across the country.

This brings to a total of 3472, the number of men trained on this NSA special squad scheme of the Nigeria Forest Security Service Initiative to complete what the police and the Nigerian Armed Forces are doing.

Addressing the graduating officers, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented at the event by DCP Mohammed Ahmadu, rtd., stated that the men have received adequate training to effectively carryout the charge by the NSA to neutralize all Forest based crimes including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and others.

A message delivered by John Metchie, resource person on the course, charged them to uphold:

Courage and discipline
Integrity and patriotism
Professionalism in service to the nation

“You are stepping into a duty that demands vigilance and honour. Your uniform is a symbol of trust. Carry it with pride as you serve Nigeria,” the message stated.

The leadership and training instructors were also commended for shaping the officers into a formidable force ready for deployment, as awards were given to outstanding trainees.

Driving Tinubu’s Security Vision

The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader objective of restoring security nationwide, particularly in rural and forested, ungoverned areas where criminal networks have thrived.

Ribadu’s strategy is widely seen as a proactive and intelligence-driven approach, combining:

Community-based security structures
Specialized tactical units
Inter-agency collaboration
Tribute to Leadership and Mentorship

At the event, members of the Special Squad Course 4 paid tribute to the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, his representative, DCP Mohammed Ahmadu.

Addressing the resource person, Ambassador John Metchie, they described him as a mentor and peace ambassador whose guidance has shaped their professional and personal values.

In a heartfelt message presented on behalf of the graduating officers, they praised his:

Commitment to justice and truth
Dedication to mentoring young officers
Role in fostering unity, discipline, and resilience

The tribute highlighted his influence in building a cohesive and purpose-driven security force, capable of confronting Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

With the deployment of the newly trained forest guards in the coming days, authorities expect:

Improved security in rural and forest zones
Disruption of criminal hideouts
Enhanced confidence among local communities
The expansion of the Nigeria Forest Security Service under NSA Nuhu Ribadu underscores a renewed, structured push to secure Nigeria from the grassroots, reinforcing President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.

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