By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, says the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government is strengthening efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
Ribadu, represented by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Sani Sani, made the remarks during the graduation of the pioneer batch of Armed Forest Guards in Kaduna.
According to the NSA, more than 1,000 forest guards underwent training in weapons handling, physical fitness, community engagement, civil-military relations and the rule of law. He said the guards are expected to serve as first responders in their communities while working with conventional security agencies.
Ribadu also commended the quality of the training, stating that Kaduna’s programme ranked among the best evaluated nationwide. He added that the Office of the National Security Adviser would consider future requests from the state for similar training.
The NSA said the Armed Forest Guard initiative, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2025, is designed to improve security in forest areas, protect critical natural resources and deny criminal groups safe havens.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani requested approval for an additional 1,000 forest guards, saying the state had recorded progress in restoring security in previously affected local government areas, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Kachia. He attributed the improvements to sustained collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies.
