By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

The Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, has addressed public confusion over reported forest security recruitment exercises.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Peace Corps officials, Goni clarified that there was no ongoing nationwide recruitment for Forest Guards.

He emphasised that the circulating advertisements under the name “Nigerian Forest Security Service” were not tied to any official exercise known to his office.

“To the best of my knowledge, I have only read in the newspapers that the bill establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service has been passed.

“The process to operationalise it is not yet complete. So, if there are any recruitment ads, I’m not aware of them,” Goni said.

He explained that the Nigerian Forest Security Service was a separate initiative from the Forest Guard programme.

“While the bill for the former has passed the National Assembly, it has yet to become law or launch formally.”

Goni noted that the Forest Guard initiative was a Federal Government strategy aimed at tackling insecurity in ungoverned forest areas, game reserves, and protected zones.

“The President is trying to revive the Forest Guard concept and has called on state governments to collaborate in reintroducing this initiative.

“Unlike a formal recruitment drive, the Forest Guard programme is community-based, relying on local volunteers selected through traditional rulers and community leaders.

“There has been no government announcement about recruitment.

“What is happening is an agreement with states to identify forest hotspots and enlist responsible local volunteers,” Goni said.

To support the initiative, he said the Federal Government was partnering with the Nigerian Police, DSS, ONSA, Nigerian Army, and National Intelligence Agency to provide training through designated schools.

“A pilot scheme has already been launched in seven states: Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Niger, Adamawa, and Kwara.

“If the test run is successful, the President has pledged that the 1,129 forest and game reserves in Nigeria will be managed by these Forest Guards,” Goni said. (NAN)