Kaduna State government has commenced the training of 2,000 operatives of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and enhance intelligence gathering across communities in the state.

The operatives are currently undergoing specialised training at various institutions across the state in what officials described as a major step towards reinforcing the state’s security architecture.

According to a statement by a senior KADVS official, Mallam Lawal Abdullahi, the trainees are in two categories. While 1,000 operatives are receiving combat training to serve as state forest guards, another 1,000 are undergoing conventional security training focused on community policing, intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

Abdullahi said the forest guard unit will be deployed to secure vulnerable forest belts and difficult terrains often exploited by criminal elements, while the conventional operatives will work closely with communities to improve local security and provide timely intelligence.

He described the initiative as a reflection of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

“This initiative stands as a testament to the resilient leadership of Governor Sani, whose commitment and foresight in prioritising the security of lives and property have not gone unnoticed,” he said.

He said that residents have expressed confidence in the government’s capacity to tackle insecurity through proactive measures and community-based security interventions.

Abdullahi noted that the recruitment process was designed to ensure broad representation, with the 2,000 personnel drawn from the 255 wards across the 23 local government areas in the state.

He said the approach was aimed at fostering inclusiveness and giving every community a stake in the state’s security framework.

“The selection ensures that every community, no matter how remote, has a stake in the state’s security framework, fostering a sense of ownership, trust and equal opportunity among the grassroots populace,” he stated.

He added that the newly trained operatives will complement existing security agencies by serving as the first line of defence in their communities and providing rapid response and intelligence support.

he programme, he explained, covers modern combat tactics, intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, community engagement and human rights standards.

pon completion, the operatives are expected to contribute significantly to reducing incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, particularly in rural and forest communities.

Abdullahi said Governor Sani remains committed to strengthening the state’s security framework and adapting it to emerging threats to ensure lasting peace and stability across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)