Kaduna Graduates 1,000 Armed Forest Guards, Requests Additional Personnel to Strengthen Security

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has graduated 1,000 Armed Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve surveillance across the state’s forest communities.The passing-out parade was held at the DSS Development Centre in Afaka, Kaduna, following a training programme conducted in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Governor Sani said the forest guards would serve as first responders in their communities, working alongside conventional security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and help prevent criminal groups from using forests as hideouts.

According to the governor, the personnel were selected from the 7,000-member Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) and received specialised training to enhance their operational capabilities.

He said the guards would operate under approved rules of engagement and be equipped in accordance with applicable security regulations. Governor Sani commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS and other security agencies for supporting the initiative.

Building on the programme, the governor announced that he had requested the training of an additional 1,000 Armed Forest Guards to further strengthen the state’s security architecture.He congratulated the graduating personnel and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in proactive, intelligence-led measures aimed at protecting lives, preserving peace and supporting development across Kaduna State.