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Governor Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria, on Tuesday inspected 500 vigilantes and local hunters undergoing tactical refresher training, reinforcing his administration’s push to strengthen grassroots security across the state.
The programme, held in Kalgo Local Government Area, forms part of broader efforts to support conventional security agencies as communities in the North West continue to face banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
Governor Idris said the initiative was necessary because federal security agencies remain stretched across vast and difficult terrain.
“Existing security agencies in Kebbi are overstretched. Trained vigilantes must now support them,” he said during the inspection, urging participants to move quickly into active duty once deployed to their communities.
He explained that community based personnel play a key role in early warning, intelligence gathering, and rapid response, especially in rural areas where formal deployments are limited.
According to the governor, the state has approved the training of 3,000 vigilantes across Kebbi’s 21 local government areas. The programme is being conducted in batches of 500 trainees to manage capacity and maintain training standards.
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Idris also directed that women be included in future intakes, noting that evolving security challenges require wider community participation.
Security, he said, remains a top priority of his administration, with the aim of ensuring residents can “sleep with both eyes closed.”
The current batch underwent a 14 day refresher course covering minor tactics, intelligence gathering, human rights, first aid, weapon handling, and signals.
Instructors were drawn from the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army Legion, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, officials said.
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Trainees were selected from all local government areas to ensure statewide coverage once deployments begin.
Special Adviser on Security, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah Zuru, said the training builds on an earlier phase conducted under the previous administration but features an expanded curriculum and tighter coordination.
He disclosed that Governor Idris approved 32 operational vehicles, 511 motorcycles, and training allowances to support field operations and welfare. He described the initiative as a major step in Kebbi’s security reforms.
The state government has also committed to regular allowances, logistics support, and continuous monitoring of the vigilante units.
Kebbi is among several states in the North West and North Central regions adopting community based security outfits to support conventional forces. Similar programmes in neighboring states have attracted federal attention as local governments seek legal frameworks allowing vigilantes to officially assist security agencies.
Officials said Kebbi secured federal approval shortly after Idris assumed office, allowing trained vigilantes to legally support formal institutions in areas with limited manpower.
The current batch is expected to graduate on Thursday. Plans are in place to train the remaining 2,500 approved vigilantes in three additional phases, with the state camp capable of accommodating up to 850 trainees at a time.
