The Federal Government and Niger State Government jointly mobilized 979 trained forest guards on December 28, 2025, to enhance security in forested areas prone to banditry and criminal activities across the state's 25 local government areas. Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago visited the trainees in Minna, urging discipline and resilience while assuring support, as part of President Tinubu's nationwide initiative launched in May 2025.
This first batch forms part of over 7,000 guards graduating across seven pilot states Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe after three-month training by Army, Navy, DSS, Police, NSCDC, and NIA personnel. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced immediate deployment to ungoverned spaces for intelligence gathering, community protection, and reclaiming territories from terrorists.
Guards will conduct patrols, endurance operations, and support existing forces, with salaries starting upon posting to restore government presence and environmental safety. Niger State pledged ID cards, employment letters, and family welfare, planning further batches for sustained homeland security.