Kaduna Passes Out 1,000 Armed Forest Guards to Strengthen Security Across the State
The Kaduna State Government has passed out more than 1,000 specially trained Armed Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering and prevent criminal elements from using forests as hideouts.
The Passing-Out Parade, held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Development Centre of the Department of State Services (DSS), Afaka, Kaduna, marked a major milestone in the state government’s efforts to enhance its security architecture.
Governor Uba Sani, CON, said the personnel were trained through a strategic partnership between the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the DSS.
The newly trained guards were selected from the existing 7,000 personnel of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS). Their specialised training is expected to enhance their operational capabilities and enable them to serve as first responders within their communities while working closely with conventional security agencies.
According to Governor Sani, the Armed Forest Guards will play a critical role in surveillance, intelligence gathering and the prevention of criminal activities in forested areas across Kaduna State.
He said their deployment to their respective communities would provide an additional advantage because of their familiarity with the local terrain, enabling them to identify suspicious activities and respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
Under their approved rules of engagement, the guards will also receive enhanced operational equipment and firearms to strengthen their capacity to confront terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
Kaduna First State to Initiate Programme
Governor Sani disclosed that the representative of the National Security Adviser commended Kaduna State for its commitment to strengthening community-based security.
He said the state was the first to approach the Federal Government with a proposal for the establishment and training of Armed Forest Guards, adding that the Office of the National Security Adviser had described Kaduna’s programme as the most successful of its kind in the country.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the various security agencies for their support and partnership in strengthening security across the state.
Additional 1,000 Guards to Be Trained
Building on the success of the first phase, Governor Sani announced that he had requested the training of an additional 1,000 Armed Forest Guards.
He said the expansion would further reinforce Kaduna State’s security framework and increase the capacity of security personnel to prevent criminal elements from exploiting forests and remote communities.
Governor Sani congratulated the graduating members of the pioneer class and commended their families for their sacrifices and support.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in proactive and intelligence-led security initiatives aimed at protecting lives and property, maintaining peace and creating a secure environment for sustainable development and economic prosperity across Kaduna State.
Kaduna Passes Out 1,000 Armed Forest Guards to Strengthen Security Across the State