Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Kaduna State Government has applauded the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for initiating the Forest Guards programme, describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry kidnapping and other emerging security threats in forested and rural communities.
Governor Uba Sani gave the commendation while receiving a high-level delegation from ONSA, led by the Director of Defence Affairs, Major General HI Mabeokwu, at the Government House in Kaduna.
The delegation visited the state to assess the ongoing training of more than 1,000 armed forest guards who are being prepared for deployment to security flashpoints across Kaduna State.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said the initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to strengthening security through collaboration with state governments.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the programme, pledging continued support for the welfare of both the trainees and their instructors.
In its assessment, the ONSA delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress of the training exercise, describing it as well organised and noting that the facilities provided were adequate for the programme.
The delegation also commended the Kaduna State Government for the welfare support extended to both the trainees and their instructors throughout the exercise.
Officials disclosed that the trainees have completed about 60 per cent of the training curriculum, which covers weapons handling, tactical operations and other field competencies required for effective forest security operations.
The evaluation team comprised representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Park Service, the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.
The Kaduna training programme is being coordinated by ONSA under the broader Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, which is designed to reclaim forests used by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers as operational bases. Upon deployment, the forest guards are expected to complement conventional security agencies by gathering intelligence, conducting patrols and maintaining a sustained security presence in forested areas.
Security analysts have argued that the long-term success of the initiative will depend on sustained training, adequate equipment and close coordination with existing security agencies.
They noted that properly trained and well-equipped forest guards could serve as an important force multiplier in Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity, particularly in forests that have become safe havens for criminal groups.
