The Kaduna State Government has praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for launching the Forest Guards programme, describing it as a key strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in forest and rural communities.

Governor Uba Sani gave the commendation while receiving an ONSA delegation led by the Director of Defence Affairs, Major General H.I. Mabeokwu, at the Government House in Kaduna.

The delegation visited the state to inspect the ongoing training of more than 1,000 armed forest guards being prepared for deployment to security hotspots across Kaduna State.

Governor Sani said the programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security through collaboration with state governments. He also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s support for the initiative, pledging continued commitment to the welfare of both trainees and instructors.

Following its assessment, the ONSA delegation expressed satisfaction with the quality and organisation of the training, noting that the facilities provided were adequate. The team also commended the Kaduna State Government for the welfare support extended to trainees and instructors throughout the exercise.

Officials disclosed that the recruits have completed about 60 per cent of their training, which includes weapons handling, tactical operations and other field skills required for effective forest security operations.

The assessment team included representatives from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), National Park Service, Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.

The Kaduna exercise is being coordinated by ONSA under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, a programme designed to reclaim forests used by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers as operational bases.

Once deployed, the forest guards will support conventional security agencies by gathering intelligence, conducting patrols and maintaining a sustained security presence in forested areas.

Security analysts, however, noted that the long-term success of the initiative will depend on sustained training, adequate equipment and effective coordination with existing security agencies.