Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Saturday graduated 1,000 newly trained Armed Forest Guards, describing the move as a major step toward reclaiming the state’s forests from terrorists and other criminal groups.

The passing-out parade was held at the DSS Development Centre in Afaka, Kaduna. The training was carried out in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services(DSS).

Governor Sani said the guards will serve as first responders in their communities and work alongside conventional security agencies to boost surveillance, improve intelligence gathering, and stop criminals from using forests as hideouts.

According to him, the 1,000 personnel were selected from the existing 7,000 members of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), and received specialised training to improve their operational capacity.

“Under the approved rules of engagement, they will be equipped with higher-grade firearms than previously issued to KADVS personnel,” the governor stated.

“Their deployment in their local communities will also enhance intelligence gathering because of their familiarity with the terrain.”

Governor Sani disclosed that ONSA described Kaduna’s training program as the most successful of its kind in Nigeria, and commended the state for being the first to approach the Federal Government for the establishment of Armed Forest Guards.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ONSA, the DSS, and other security agencies for supporting the initiative to strengthen security in the state.

Building on the success, the governor said he has requested the training of an additional 1,000 Armed Forest Guards to further reinforce the state’s security architecture.

He congratulated the pioneer graduates and their families, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in proactive, intelligence-driven security measures to protect lives, preserve peace, and create an enabling environment for development.

Please follow and like us: