The Federal Government has graduated 7,000 newly trained Forest Guards in a coordinated exercise held on Saturday across seven northern states.

The ceremonies took place simultaneously in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Park Service.

The initiative aims to enhance environmental security and protect Nigeria’s forest reserves and national parks. The newly trained guards will help combat illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other environmental crimes, while also supporting wider national security efforts.

The graduates received specialised training from security and environmental agencies, preparing them for frontline duties in forest communities and protected areas. Officials said the joint coordination is intended to improve intelligence-sharing, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and ensure a visible security presence in remote areas prone to criminal activity.

The Forest Guards are expected to be deployed to their respective posts in the coming weeks.