The Kaduna State Government has endorsed the National Security Adviser's Forest Guards programme, a federal initiative aimed at curbing terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in rural and forested areas. Governor Uba Sani expressed support during a visit by a high-level delegation from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Major General HI Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs. The delegation inspected the training of over 1,000 armed forest guards at the Government House in Kaduna, assessing progress in the ongoing exercise. Officials confirmed the trainees have completed approximately 60 per cent of the curriculum, which includes weapons handling, tactical operations and field skills essential for forest security missions.
The ONSA team described the training as well organised and praised Kaduna State for providing adequate facilities and welfare support to both trainees and instructors. The evaluation group included representatives from the National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, National Park Service, Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces. The Kaduna programme operates under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, designed to reclaim forests used as hideouts by criminal elements. Once deployed, the guards will conduct patrols, gather intelligence and maintain a security presence in high-risk forest zones, supplementing existing security agencies.
Security analysts cited in the report noted the initiative's potential effectiveness if sustained with proper training, equipment and coordination. They suggested that well-prepared forest guards could act as a force multiplier in combating insecurity in remote areas. Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the welfare of participants in the programme. The ONSA delegation recorded satisfaction with the state's role in facilitating the training process.
Governor Uba Sani is backing a federal forest guard programme while his state still struggles with persistent attacks in the very areas the guards are meant to secure. The guards are not yet deployed, but their success hinges on coordination and equipment that have not been demonstrated. If current security failures continue despite this new layer, it raises questions about implementation. The people of Kaduna are waiting for visible results, not more structures on paper.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
