Kaduna Backs NSA Ribadu's Forest Guards Plan Against Insecurity

The Kaduna State Government has expressed strong approval for the Forest Guards programme, an initiative rolled out by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The state leadership views this as a crucial step to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and various other security threats prevalent in Nigeria's forest reserves and rural communities.

Governor Uba Sani conveyed this commendation during a visit by a senior ONSA delegation, led by the Director of Defence Affairs, Major General HI Mabeokwu, at the Government House in Kaduna. The purpose of the delegation's visit was to monitor and evaluate the ongoing training of over 1,000 armed forest guards, who are currently being prepared for deployment to identified security flashpoints across Kaduna State.

During discussions, Governor Sani highlighted that this initiative demonstrates the Federal Government's unwavering dedication to enhancing national security through collaborative efforts with state governments. He further reiterated his administration's full commitment to the programme, vowing continuous support for the welfare of both the trainees and their instructors.

Following its assessment, the ONSA delegation voiced satisfaction with the progress of the training exercise. They described the programme as exceptionally well-organised and noted that the facilities provided were entirely suitable for the extensive training required. The delegation also took the opportunity to commend the Kaduna State Government for the comprehensive welfare provisions extended to both the trainees and their instructors throughout the duration of the exercise.

Officials indicated that the forest guards have already completed approximately 60 per cent of their rigorous training curriculum. This includes essential modules such as weapons handling, tactical operations, and other critical field competencies necessary for effective security operations within forest environments. The evaluation team comprised representatives from key security agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Park Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.

This training programme in Kaduna is being coordinated by ONSA as part of the wider Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, which aims to reclaim forests that have been exploited by terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers as operational bases. Once deployed, these forest guards are anticipated to augment the efforts of conventional security agencies by actively gathering intelligence, conducting regular patrols, and maintaining a consistent security presence in forested regions. Security experts suggest that the long-term success of this initiative will be contingent on sustained training, adequate equipment provision, and seamless coordination with existing security apparatus.