Overview

FG set to begin forest guards recruitment – NSA
 The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says the Federal Government has begun the process of establishing a forest guards programme as part of efforts to strengthen national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Bola Tinubu, on May 15, approved the creation of the National Forest Guard system as part of measures to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

Under the directive, each state is expected to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards, depending on its capacity.

However, before Tinubu’s announcement, at least 11 states had already established forest guard units with different names but had yet to equip or expand them to meet national security objectives.
Speaking at the inauguration of 46 new vehicles distributed to strategic commands and formations in Abuja, Ribadu said he had just left a programme organised to kick-start the establishment of the forest guards.

He described the initiative as one of several ongoing measures aimed at safeguarding communities and protecting the country’s natural reserves.

Ribadu said, “I tell you that what lies ahead is leadership that will transform and better Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I’m happy. Whenever things are improving in our country, the opportunity to be part of it is something we are all proud of and grateful to God for.
“Every day, something is happening—it is having a massive impact, and we are witnessing it daily. I’m just coming from an event to start the process of the forest guards. Every single day in our work, something new happens. Maybe quietly and silently, but it is happening.”

Ribadu assured Nigerians that the security of the nation was in capable hands, adding that there were daily improvements in the security sector, some of which might not be immediately visible to the public.

He said, “Just to let you know, dear Nigerians, your country is in good hands. Nigeria is being handled very well and properly. And we can assure you that we will deliver. We’ve never known what failure is, and this time also, you will see the result of the work we put in, Insha Allah.”

He called on security personnel to remain motivated and committed to their duties.

“Whatever it takes for us to have a peaceful, law and order country, go after the bad people, change things,” he said, adding that “These last few years have been unprecedented in our country.”
The NSA challenged NDLEA officers to view the event as a call to action to do more, remain vigilant, act within the law and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“The NDLEA is not only building lives, but it is also restoring dignity and shaping national policy. In light of the pandemic, this inauguration is a call to action. Use these resources responsibly, act within the law, and remain vigilant.
“The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits, insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with devastating consequences for families and communities,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), pointed out that drug abuse was central to many security challenges in the country.

“The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances. Drug trafficking emboldens perpetrators, strips away moral restraint and replaces hope with recklessness. No serious approach to national security can ignore drug control, and this is why we pursue our mandate with focus, determination, and the results are there to show,” Marwa said.

He, however, said that in just two years of President Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA had achieved significant results.

“We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons, leading to the seizure of over 5.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances, all recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed.

“We have equally secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins alike, ensured their assets forfeitures to the Federal Government through the court process, thus sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.

“Equally important is the fact that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated in our 30 rehab centres located across the country while 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities aimed at preventing people from going into substance abuse were carried out in schools, worship centres, work places, motor parks, and communities among others within the same period.”
In his remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended President Tinubu for making the achievements recorded by the leadership of Marwa at the NDLEA in the past two years possible.

“Without an understanding President, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today,” the AGF said. “So, my first appreciation goes to him. There is a very, very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes that we have.

“The chairman has chronicled some of the effects of these illicit drugs. They embolden criminals. And when the thing wears off, then you discover that they are just ordinary mortals like you and me. And that is why attention ought to be given to this fight against illicit drugs.

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