Kaduna State Government has commenced the training of 1,000 forest guards as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity and flush out criminal elements operating in forested areas of the state.
The guards are expected to support security agencies by providing intelligence, monitoring forest activities, and reporting suspicious movements.
Speaking at the commencement of the training held at the Police College in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, urged the trainees to remain disciplined and professional in carrying out their duties.
He said the initiative would strengthen collaboration between the forest guards and conventional security agencies, noting that it would enhance safety and encourage farmers to return to their farmlands.
According to him, the recruits were selected from communities in known flashpoint areas and would be deployed after their training to support ongoing security operations.
“The people of Kaduna State are ever ready to answer the call… at the end of the six-week training, these men and women will be deployed back to the flashpoints,” he said.
He listed affected local government areas to include Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kagarko, Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru and Igabi, adding that the deployment would significantly reduce insecurity in the state.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said the forest guards would work closely with security agencies to monitor forests, gather intelligence and prevent bandit attacks.
He explained that the training, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was part of broader efforts to improve security in vulnerable communities and boost economic activities.
The state government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security architecture and ensuring the protection of lives and property across Kaduna State.
