This move is part of a new plan to take back forest areas that are being used by criminals.
The announcement was made by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Yola, Adamawa State, during the graduation of the first group of trained forest guards.
He said the guards will be deployed immediately to communities facing serious security problems, especially those near forests.
Ribadu explained that the programme is meant to reduce banditry, terrorism, and other crimes.
The forest guards will help gather useful information, support other security agencies, and restore government control in neglected areas.
The guards received three months of tough training to prepare them for working in difficult forest conditions.
The training took place in seven states: Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe.
The programme, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a joint effort between the federal and state governments, with support from several security agencies.
Ribadu added that the forest guards will focus on fighting criminals hiding in forests.
He said this first phase will later be expanded across the country, with more guards to be recruited and trained.
At the event, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, encouraged the new guards to see their role as a service to the people and to carry out their duties with discipline, professionalism, and respect for local communities.
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