Governor Uba Sani has presided over the graduation of more than 1,000 newly trained forest guards in Kaduna State, marking a major step in strengthening grassroots security and surveillance across vulnerable communities.
The governor, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony held at the DSS Development Centre in Afaka, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity and protect lives and livelihoods. The recruits were trained in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to a statement, the forest guards will serve as first responders within their communities, focusing on intelligence gathering and monitoring forests and other high-risk areas while working closely with conventional security agencies.
“The recruits will serve as first responders in their various communities, strengthening surveillance in forests and vulnerable areas,” the statement noted.
Security experts say the initiative reflects an increasing shift toward community-based security models aimed at complementing federal forces, particularly in regions affected by banditry and rural insecurity.
The Kaduna State Government said the programme aligns with its ongoing investments in security, which it credits for recent improvements in safety, including the reopening of key markets, schools and healthcare facilities across the state.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and stability, emphasizing that enhanced local security structures remain critical to long-term development.
