Nigeria Forest Guards Recruitment 2025/2026
The Nigerian government has initiated the recruitment of Forest Guards for the 2025/2026 period, aiming to enhance national security and protect the country’s vast forest reserves. This initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to address issues such as terrorism, banditry, and illegal activities within Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves.
FOREST GUARDS TO TAKE CHARGE OF 1,129 FORESTS AGAINST TERRORISTS AND BANDITS
President Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards and comencement of employment across the 1,129 forests in the country. The President directed that the forest guards are to be well trained and armed to perform their duties, which is essentially to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding inside the forests for criminal activities. This recruitment is a security collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.
The office of the NSA and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to take charge and ensure full implementation.
Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed as personnel of the outfit. President Tinubu had warned terrorists that his administration would not surrender an inch of the country’s territory to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal gangs operating inside the forests. President Tinubu vowed that the country would take back its forests.
Understanding the Forest Guard Initiative
The establishment of the Forest Guard unit is a strategic move to enhance security in ungoverned forest areas. The Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS), formerly known as the Nigeria Hunter Council, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the NHFSS supports the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and properties in forests and bushes.
The NHFSS has advocated for the conversion of hunters into Forest Guards to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. This proposal aims to utilize the expertise and resources of the NHFSS to combat various crimes prevalent in ungoverned forest spaces.
Nigeria Forest Guards Recruitment 2025/2026
Recruitment Details
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Forest Guard position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Nigerian Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of Nigeria.
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Age: Candidates should be between 18 and 35 years old.
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Educational Qualification: A minimum of a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalent is required.
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Physical and Mental Fitness: Applicants must be physically and mentally fit for paramilitary activities.
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Criminal Record: Candidates should have no criminal convictions.
Application Process
Interested individuals can apply through the official NHFSS website: nhfss.org.ng. The application process is free, and applicants are advised to be cautious of fraudulent entities requesting payment for recruitment forms.
Recruitment Timeline
The recruitment process has officially commenced. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, as deadlines may vary across different states.
State-Level Recruitment Initiatives
Various state governments have initiated their recruitment drives to support the national Forest Guard initiative:
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Ebonyi State: Governor Francis Nwifuru approved the recruitment of 2,600 youths into the NHFSS to enhance the state’s capacity to combat banditry and kidnapping, especially within forested areas.
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South-East Region: Governors in the South-East have announced plans to recruit able-bodied young men and women into the Forest Guard Service. This move aims to protect farms and forests in the region, with recruitment expected to commence after the New Year celebrations.
Roles and Responsibilities of Forest Guards
Forest Guards are tasked with:
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Protecting Forest Reserves: Safeguarding Nigeria’s forest reserves from illegal activities.
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Combating Insecurity: Addressing issues such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping within forested areas.
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Collaborating with Security Agencies: Working alongside the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
Salary Structure
The NHFSS offers a structured salary system based on ranks:Inquire Salary
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Assistant Cadre: ₦77,000 – ₦90,000 per month.
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Inspector Cadre: ₦99,000 – ₦120,000 per month.
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Deputy Commandant General: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000 per month.
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Chief Commandant General: ₦500,000 or more per month.Inquire Salary
The average monthly salary for NHFSS officers is approximately ₦260,000.Inquire Salary
Testimonials
Chinedu Okafor, Ebonyi State: “Joining the NHFSS has been a life-changing experience. I now contribute to the safety of my community and have a stable income.”
Amina Yusuf, Kaduna State: “The training was rigorous, but it prepared me well for the challenges on the field. I’m proud to serve as a Forest Guard.”
Conclusion
The recruitment of Forest Guards is a significant step towards enhancing national security and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply and contribute to this vital national initiative.
Apply now through the official NHFSS website: nhfss.org.ng.