FG Trains 7,000 Forest Guards for Enhanced Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria has trained more than 7,000 Forest Guards across 11 states to bolster security in the country’s forests, national parks, and protected areas. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, announced this initiative on Friday during the 2026 World Ranger Day at the National Park Service Headquarters in Abuja.

The initiative, in collaboration with sub-national governments and the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to train approximately 130,000 personnel nationwide to support park rangers against threats from poachers, terrorists, and other criminal elements. Lawal highlighted that Nigeria accounted for 15 out of 58 ranger deaths in Africa from June 2025 to May 2026.

The government is also reviewing the National Park Service Act to enhance ranger welfare and plans to deploy surveillance cameras across national parks for real-time monitoring. Dr.

Ibrahim Musa Goni, Conservator General of the National Park Service, emphasized the importance of investing in ranger welfare and technology to address emerging challenges.