The Kaduna State government on Saturday graduated 1,101 armed forest guards to strengthen security and reclaim forests from bandits and other criminals.

Governor Uba Sani, who reviewed the parade, described the graduation as a defining moment in Kaduna’s quest for lasting peace, safety and sustainable development.

He said the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in protecting lives, reclaiming forests and securing communities across the state.

Mr Sani said the armed forest guards would complement the armed forces and other security agencies in tackling evolving security threats.

He said the guards have been trained to deploy advanced capabilities against criminals hiding in forest corridors across Kaduna.

He said the initiative would enhance efforts to degrade, disarm and dismantle criminal networks using forests as operational bases.

The governor regretted that forests had long served as safe havens for bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers, causing deaths, displacement and agricultural losses.

He said no responsible government would tolerate such a situation, adding that Kaduna had chosen decisive action to restore peace.

He said the guards would strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies.

Mr Sani said the outfit would complement existing security agencies through a unified and coordinated security architecture.

He said that the guards’ knowledge of local terrain would improve intelligence gathering and rapid response to security threats.

He said that over 125 previously closed schools had reopened, while farming and healthcare services had resumed in many affected communities.

The governor added that Birnin Gwari, Zangon Kataf, Giwa, Kauru, Kachia and Kajuru have recorded improved security and economic activities.

He appealed to the federal government to approve an additional 1,000 forest guards for Kaduna to consolidate security gains.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in technology, education, agriculture and job creation to address the root causes of insecurity.

Mr Sani said lasting security remains the foundation for sustainable development and inclusive prosperity in Kaduna State.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for supporting the initiative.

Mr Nuhu, who was represented by Mallam Sani Sani, the director of internal security, NSA office, said the forest guard programme was a presidential initiative launched in May 2025.

He said the initiative aimed to secure forests, ungoverned spaces, biodiversity, watersheds and wildlife across the country.

He said that the Kaduna training commenced on June 15, producing 1,101 graduates after two months of intensive exercise.

Mr Nuhu said that the trainees received instruction in weapons handling, combat readiness, physical fitness, civil-military relations and international humanitarian law.

According to him, the guards will serve as first responders before conventional security agencies arrive during emergencies.

He assured the graduates that salary payment and deployment would commence immediately without unnecessary delays.

The National Security Adviser commended the Kaduna State government and instructors from the Nigerian Navy, State Security Service (SSS) and National Park Service for conducting quality training.

The training officer, Lt.-Cmdr. Sani Abdullahi, said participants acquired skills in patrols, marksmanship, tracking, raids, combat first aid and communication.

He said the programme produced disciplined and professional personnel prepared to support security operations and protect lives, property and critical national assets.

Mr Abdullahi urged the graduates to uphold integrity, courage, discipline and respect for human rights while discharging their responsibilities.

He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible information to sustain peace across the state.

 (NAN)