President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR authorised the creation of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) after the National Assembly passed the Bill into Law.
The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, nicknamed the Forest Guards, will help address growing insecurity by taking charge of forest security and dealing decisively with criminal groups that take refuge in forests.
How Are They Recruited?
- They must be locals, such as vigilantes or hunters, who understand the environment and forest areas very well.
- Background checks are carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) on each recruit after their names have been submitted by their Local Government.
- About 70,000 recruits have been selected following the Federal Character principles.
Training, Handling of Weapons and Authority
- Training is conducted at the state level after a regional screening exercise.
- The recruits undergo strict training by the DSS and other armed services.
- They are authorised to carry arms only with approval from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which is responsible for approving the use of arms by any person or group.
- They have the power of arrest and may use force against criminals where necessary.
Roles of the Forest Guards
- The Forest Guards are expected to prevent and combat forest crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and bush or forest fires.
- They are also expected to investigate crimes and hand suspects over to the Police.
- They will harmonise existing hunter groups and provide training.
- They will provide intelligence and collaborate with security agencies.
Other Information About the Forest Guards
- They are under the Ministry of Environment and, therefore, under the Federal Government.
- Some states are also providing support to them.
Secretary Adviser: Nuhu Ribadu
