President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards to secure Nigeria's 1,129 forests and combat terrorism, according to a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

The forest guards will be properly trained and armed to effectively carry out their primary duty of flushing out terrorists and criminal gangs who use the nation's forests as hideouts for their illicit activities.

This security initiative represents a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments. The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to oversee the implementation of this program.

The recruitment drive is expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians who will serve as personnel in this new security outfit.

President Tinubu had previously warned terrorists that his administration would not surrender any portion of Nigeria's territory to criminal elements. He firmly stated that the government would reclaim control of the nation's forests from these groups.

This move aligns with the administration's broader security strategy to combat terrorism and banditry, which have plagued various parts of the country, particularly in the northern regions where forest reserves have become sanctuaries for armed groups.

The establishment of the forest guards represents a significant step in the government's efforts to enhance national security while simultaneously addressing unemployment by creating jobs for Nigeria's youth population.