Kaduna trains 1,000 forest guards to combat banditry

The Kaduna State Government has begun training 1,000 forest guards as part of a renewed effort to curb insecurity and eliminate criminal activity in the state’s forested areas.

These guards will assist security agencies by gathering intelligence, monitoring forest activities, and reporting any suspicious movements.

During the opening ceremony at the Police College in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani—represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila—encouraged the trainees to maintain discipline and professionalism in their duties.

He said the program would strengthen cooperation between the forest guards and conventional security forces, improve safety, and encourage farmers to return to their fields.

According to the governor, the recruits were chosen from communities in known flashpoint areas and will be deployed after the six‑week training to support ongoing security operations.

“The people of Kaduna State are ever ready to answer the call… at the end of the six‑week training, these men and women will be deployed back to the flashpoints,” he said.

He listed affected local government areas, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kagarko, Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru and Igabi, noting that the deployment would significantly reduce insecurity in the state.

Sule Shuaibu, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the forest guards would work closely with security agencies to monitor forests, gather intelligence and prevent bandit attacks.

He explained that the training, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, is part of broader efforts to improve security in vulnerable communities and boost economic activities.

The state government reiterated its commitment to strengthening the security architecture and ensuring the protection of lives and property across Kaduna State.