Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Tuesday inspected 500 vigilantes and hunters undergoing a refresher tactical training programme in Kalgo Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen community-based security mechanisms.
The training forms part of broader efforts by the state government to support conventional security agencies amid escalating security challenges in the North-West, including banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping.
Speaking during the inspection, the governor said the initiative became imperative due to manpower constraints facing federal security formations operating in the state.
“Existing security agencies in Kebbi are overstretched. Trained vigilantes must now support them,” he said, urging participants to quickly integrate into security operations upon deployment to their respective communities.
Idris disclosed that the state government had approved the training of 3,000 vigilantes across Kebbi, explaining that the programme was being implemented in batches of 500 to ensure effective coordination and optimal use of facilities. He also directed that women be included in future batches, citing evolving security realities and the need for inclusive community participation.
The governor assured that the programme would be sustained through regular payment of allowances, provision of logistics and continuous monitoring, describing security as a top priority of his administration. He added that the initiative was aimed at ensuring residents could “sleep with both eyes closed.”
The trainees, selected from all 21 local government areas of the state, are undergoing a 14-day refresher course covering minor tactics, intelligence gathering, human rights, first aid, weapon handling and communication signals.
Training facilitators were drawn from the Department of State Services, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Army Legion and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Kebbi State is among several states in the North-West and North Central regions adopting community-based security models to strengthen early-warning systems and improve rapid response in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Similar initiatives have attracted federal attention as states explore legal frameworks to formally integrate vigilantes into security operations.
Shortly after assuming office, the Idris administration adopted the model and secured Federal Government approval for trained vigilantes to legally support conventional security agencies, particularly in remote communities with limited security presence.
The Special Adviser on Security to the governor, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah Zuru, said the current exercise builds on an earlier training phase conducted by the previous administration but features an expanded curriculum and improved coordination.
He revealed that the governor had approved the provision of 32 vehicles, 511 motorcycles and training allowances to enhance operational effectiveness and welfare, describing the programme as a “landmark” in Kebbi State’s security reforms.
While the current batch is expected to graduate on Thursday, plans are underway to train the remaining 2,500 approved vigilantes in three additional phases, with the state training camp capable of accommodating up to 850 participants at a time.
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