The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised the cooperation between the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government, saying the partnership has contributed significantly to efforts to address insecurity in the state.
Ribadu made the statement during the graduation ceremony of the first batch of Armed Forest Guards trained in Kaduna. He was represented at the event by Sani Sani, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The NSA commended the state government for the quality of training provided to the forest guards, noting that an assessment carried out nationwide showed Kaduna’s programme as the best so far.
He said the Office of the National Security Adviser would be willing to approve further training requests from Kaduna State if Governor Uba Sani decides to expand the initiative.
According to Ribadu, more than 1,000 forest guards underwent intensive training covering weapons handling, physical fitness, combat preparedness, community relations, civil-military cooperation, collaboration with security agencies, and respect for the rule of law.
He explained that the trained personnel are expected to return to their communities and serve as the first line of defence against criminal attacks while awaiting the response of conventional security forces.
The NSA recalled that President Bola Tinubu introduced the Armed Forest Guard initiative on May 24, 2025, to train indigenous communities to secure forests, protect natural resources, and prevent criminal elements from operating freely in ungoverned areas.
He added that the initiative was designed to strengthen the country’s security framework by ensuring that forest areas are effectively monitored and protected.
Ribadu said the President mandated his office to provide strategic direction and coordinate the training of forest guards across the federation.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani expressed appreciation to the NSA for his support and also described Kaduna’s training programme as the best in the country.
The governor requested approval for an additional 1,000 forest guards, stressing that security remains one of the major priorities of his administration.
Sani said several local government areas that were previously difficult to access because of insecurity are now safer, allowing residents to travel without relying on police escorts.
He mentioned Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Kachia as areas that were once severely affected by insecurity but have witnessed improvements due to collaboration between the state and federal governments.
“Through our partnership with the Federal Government and the support of President Bola Tinubu, we have been able to tackle many security challenges in these frontline local governments,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that his request for more forest guards would receive approval, adding that his administration would continue working with stakeholders to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Kaduna State.