If you’re a Nigerian youth with a passion for safeguarding our wild spaces, tackling climate threats, or stepping into a stable career that makes a difference, the Forest Guard recruitment drive for 2025/2026 is your chance. This nationwide push aims to protect Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves from bandits, terrorists, and illegal loggers while creating jobs for thousands. President Bola Tinubu approved this initiative in May 2025, targeting over 130,000 armed guards to boost security and promote sustainable forestry. With states like Kwara and Ebonyi already onboarding thousands, this guide covers everything you need to know to apply successfully as of October 2025. Let’s dive in.
Why Nigeria Forest Guard Recruitment Matters Now
Nigeria’s forests are vital ecosystems, home to endangered species and economic lifelines for communities relying on timber, herbs, and eco-tourism. But they’ve also become hideouts for criminals—bandits in the North, kidnappers in the Southeast, and insurgents exploiting ungoverned spaces. Illegal logging and poaching are wiping out biodiversity, with Nigeria losing about 3.7% of its forest cover annually. This recruitment drive, part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, integrates the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) with fresh recruits to form a professionalized force. It’s a collaboration between federal and state governments, aiming to flush out threats, restore peace, and promote sustainable forestry while easing unemployment.
A Snapshot of Nigerian Forest Guard Recruitment
This is a permanent role with fieldwork and growth potential. Here’s a breakdown based on the latest guidelines:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Organization |
Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS) / National Forest Guard |
|
Job Location |
Nationwide—covering all 36 states + FCT, focused on 1,129 forest reserves |
|
Job Type |
Permanent (with probationary training period) |
|
Career Level |
Entry-level (freshers welcome) to mid-level (experience boosts chances) |
|
Nationality |
Nigerian citizens only (must have NIN) |
|
Qualifications |
Minimum SSCE; Diploma/Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, or equivalent preferred |
|
Experience |
Not required, but hunting, farming, or security background is a plus |
|
Language Skills |
Proficient in English (spoken/written); local languages advantageous |
|
Gender |
Open to all—no pregnancy for female applicants at recruitment |
|
Salary Range |
₦50,000–₦500,000/month (entry-level starts at ₦77,000 + allowances) |
|
Official Website |
https://nhfss.org.ng/ (check state-specific portals too) |
Salaries vary by state and rank, with benefits like health insurance, pensions, and training stipends. In Kwara, new guards receive advanced military prep, including weapons handling.
Nigerian Forest Guard Recruitment Eligibility Criteria
The criteria are fair but firm to ensure recruits can handle the role’s demands:
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Citizenship & Age: Nigerian by birth, aged 18–35 (relaxed to 40 for experienced candidates).
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Education: At least SSCE/WAEC; higher qualifications in forestry, wildlife management, or related fields get priority. Freshers are welcome.
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Fitness: Physically robust (pass a medical exam) and mentally sharp for high-stress operations. Expect endurance tests like runs and obstacle courses.
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Skills & Vetting: English proficiency for reports and communication. Background checks by police/DSS are mandatory—no criminal record. Community endorsements from traditional rulers help, especially in rural areas.
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Other: Open to all genders, but rigorous training is required. Prior eco-volunteering is a bonus.
Stay in shape! Trainings in Enugu emphasized fitness for scenarios like chasing poachers, plus modules on intelligence gathering.
Open to Everyone: Eligible States
The recruitment spans all 36 states and the FCT, with quotas (2,000–5,000 per state) based on forest density and security needs:
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Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa – Southeast and Northeast focus on anti-kidnapping patrols.
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Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi – Ebonyi hired 2,600 to tackle banditry in border forests.
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Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo – Enugu’s screening ran September 15–20, 2025, with community town halls.
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Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara – Kwara added 2,600 in October 2025 for North-South security.
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Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo – Southwest emphasizes anti-logging in urban fringes.
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Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara – North-Central hotspots for insurgency ops.
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Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) – Urban-rural hybrid roles.
Check your state’s forestry ministry for localized quotas—larger forest states like Cross River get more slots.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply For Nigerian Forest Guard 2025/2026
Applying is online, but accuracy is critical. Here’s how:
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Visit the Portal: Go to https://nhfss.org.ng/ or your state’s site (e.g., Enugu’s ESFG portal). Create an account with a valid email and phone for OTP verification.
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Fill the Form: Enter personal details, education, and NIN. Honesty avoids auto-rejection.
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Upload Documents: Scan and submit SSCE certificates, birth certificate, recent passport photo (plain background), and experience letters. Keep files under 200KB.
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Review & Submit: Double-check, submit, and download your slip for screening.
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Next Steps: Await email/SMS for physicals (fitness, medicals) and interviews. Trainings start post-selection, often with police-led modules on arms and intelligence.
Avoid fake documents or missing deadlines. Many states are in the screening phase as of October 2025, so apply soon.
Training: From Rookie to Ready
Selected candidates undergo 3–6 months of boot camp: paramilitary drills, firearm handling (light arms), eco-policing, and community engagement. NHFSS has trained over 24,000 this year, partnering with the Army and DSS. You’ll learn everything from drone surveillance to anti-poaching raids.
Salary, Benefits, and Career Growth
Entry-level pay starts at ₦60,000, with add-ons like ₦20,000 hazard allowance, uniforms, and housing in reserves. Ranks range from Guard (₦50,000) to Commander (₦150,000+), with promotions via exams and service. Benefits include medicals and pensions, and the role can lead to careers in environmental NGOs or higher security positions.
Challenges and Opportunities
The job isn’t easy—forests are rugged, with risks like wildlife encounters or ambushes. Funding issues and politicization can slow progress, but successes in states like Benue, where guards have rescued kidnapping victims and curbed deforestation, show the potential.
Your Call to Action
The 2025/2026 Forest Guard recruitment is a chance to build a legacy—protecting Nigeria’s green heart while securing a stable career. With portals active and trainings rolling out, visit nhfss.org.ng, polish your CV, and get ready. Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Stay safe, stay green!
