The Kaduna State Government has commenced the training of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security across forests and rural communities vulnerable to attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The six-week training programme, currently underway at the Police College in Kaduna, is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is aimed at enhancing surveillance and rapid response capabilities in areas that have experienced persistent security threats.
For years, several communities across Kaduna State, particularly those located near forest corridors, have faced recurring attacks linked to banditry, kidnapping and related criminal activities. The state government says the recruitment and training of the forest guards form a key component of its strategy to address these challenges and improve public safety.
Addressing the trainees at the commencement of the programme, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to the training guidelines.
He urged the recruits to remain committed throughout the six-week exercise, noting that the programme was designed to equip them with the skills required to effectively carry out their responsibilities upon deployment.
According to the commissioner, the state government has provided the necessary resources for the training and expects the recruits to obey instructions from their trainers and maintain the highest standards of conduct.
The forest guards are expected to work closely with conventional security agencies and will operate under rules of engagement developed by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Officials said the personnel would be adequately equipped to support security operations in vulnerable communities.
Upon completion of the training, the guards will be deployed to identified flashpoints across the state, particularly in local government areas that have witnessed frequent security incidents.
State authorities identified Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kachia, Kagarko, Kajuru, Chikun and Igabi among the critical local government areas where the personnel are expected to support ongoing security efforts.
Officials expressed confidence that the deployment of the forest guards would strengthen the state’s security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and help reduce criminal activities in affected communities.
As Kaduna becomes one of the first states to implement a structured forest guard programme on this scale, residents and stakeholders are hopeful that the initiative will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the state.
