KEBBI, Nigeria – Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris inspects 500 vigilantes undergoing tactical refresher training, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen grassroots security amid persistent banditry in Nigeria’s North-West.
The training exercise takes place in Kalgo Local Government Area and forms part of a wider state strategy to complement overstretched federal security agencies.
“Existing security agencies in Kebbi are overstretched. Trained vigilantes must now support them,” Idris tells trainees during the inspection.
The governor discloses that 3,000 vigilantes have been approved for training statewide, with 500 trained per batch, and directs that women be included in future intakes.
He assures participants of sustained government support, including allowances, logistics and monitoring, describing the initiative as essential to public safety.
The 14-day programme covers intelligence gathering, human rights, first aid, minor tactics and weapon handling, with instructors drawn from the DSS, police and military formations.
Special Adviser on Security, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah Zuru, says the programme improves coordination and welfare compared with previous efforts.
Officials say 32 vehicles and 511 motorcycles have been approved to support field operations.
Kebbi joins several states turning to legally backed community security outfits to bridge manpower gaps in rural areas.
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