Nigeria Trains 137,000 Forest Guards to Enhance Security

The federal government of Nigeria has initiated a training program for 137,000 forest guards as part of the Forest Guard Initiative, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with sub-national governments. This initiative aims to complement the efforts of Park Rangers in securing Nigeria’s natural heritage and to eliminate criminal activities in forest areas.

Training has already been conducted in 11 states, with plans to include the remaining states. During World Ranger Day in Abuja, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal stated that the ministry is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to enhance the capabilities of forest policing and protection.

He emphasized the need to confront organized crime, including terrorism and kidnapping, that utilizes forest areas as hideouts. Kingsley Ononogbu, Chairman of the National Park Service, remarked on the relevance of this year’s theme, “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet,” in light of climate change and biodiversity loss.