Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to bolstering security across the state to safeguard lives and property.
The Governor made the remarks while inspecting 500 vigilantes and hunters who recently completed a rigorous refresher course and tactical combat skills training at a camp in Kalgo Local Government Area.
Community Security Tops Agenda as Kebbi Trains 500 Vigilantes
The initiative is aimed at complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in addressing security challenges across Kebbi State.
Governor Idris thanked Almighty Allah for the success of the programme, describing the training as a long-awaited step to equip community-based security operatives with modern skills for effective support to law enforcement.
He noted that Nigeria’s growing population requires increased security capacity.
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While acknowledging the Federal Government’s deployment of security personnel, Governor Idris emphasized that community participation remains critical, particularly in areas with limited manpower.
The Governor disclosed that a total of 3,000 vigilantes have been approved for training, with 500 trained per batch to ensure optimal use of facilities.
He assured that the state government would provide all necessary funding and logistics to sustain the programme.
He also guaranteed the vigilantes direct and regular monthly allowances, similar to other government workers.
In addition, Governor Idris directed that women be included in subsequent training batches, instructing the Adviser on Security to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to make provisions for female participants.
Commending the trainees, the Governor described their exposure to professional weapon handling, maintenance, and tactical operations as a significant milestone in strengthening Kebbi’s local security architecture.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Security, Rtd. Col. Danladi Ribah Zuru, explained that the vigilante initiative was conceived shortly after Governor Idris assumed office and has since gained national attention.
He noted that the 500 trainees, drawn from all 21 local government areas, were previously trained under the last administration and are now undergoing refresher courses facilitated by instructors from the DSS, Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence, Army Legion, and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Col. Ribah added that the training follows Federal Government approval allowing vigilantes to legally assist security agencies, further strengthening community-based policing in the state.