The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for revitalizing the Forest Guard Initiative, a key promise detailed on page 9 of his Renewed Hope Manifesto (2022).
In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Kaduna, Mr. Isaac Abrak, Chairman of NCYP, commended the President for fulfilling this critical security pledge.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu recently approved the establishment of armed forest guards tasked with securing Nigeria’s 1,129 forests from terrorists and criminal groups. The announcement was made on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication.
“This decisive move addresses the long-standing security threats posed by violent groups operating from within our forests,” Abrak said.
“We commend President Tinubu not only for staying true to his word but for actively responding to the persistent calls from our organisation and concerned Nigerians.”
According to Abrak, the revitalisation of the Forest Guard was a cornerstone of NCYP’s campaign efforts across northern Nigeria.
“During the campaigns, we urged communities—especially those most vulnerable—to support Tinubu. We assured them that his administration would prioritise localised security, including the recruitment of community youth into security roles. Today, we are thankful to see that vision becoming reality.”
Abrak said the initiative’s rollout vindicates NCYP’s strong advocacy and support for Tinubu’s presidential bid.
However, he emphasized that for the initiative to be effective, community-based implementation is crucial.
“As implementation begins, we urge the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that recruitment into the Forest Guard prioritizes local inclusion and integrity,” he stated.
He stressed that individuals living in or near the 1,129 forests should be given preference in recruitment due to their intimate knowledge of the terrain, which gives them an edge in combating threats.
He warned against turning the initiative into a tool for political patronage, calling for a transparent and depoliticized recruitment process.
“Recruitment must avoid individuals with questionable backgrounds. Community leaders and security agencies such as the DSS must be actively involved in vetting candidates. Only those truly committed to protecting their communities should be enlisted.”
Abrak also proposed a targeted recruitment of 185,000 youths, with 5,000 from each of the 36 states and the FCT, to establish a strong national presence from the outset.
He described the Forest Guard as a potential last line of defence in curbing terrorism and banditry, particularly in vulnerable northern and southern regions.
“Its success depends entirely on preserving its integrity and shielding it from political interference. Recruits must be trained in patriotism, discipline, and the spirit of national unity, values envisioned by our founding fathers.”
Reaffirming the group’s support, Abrak pledged NCYP’s commitment to collaborating with the government, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
“We are ready to contribute to community sensitisation, monitoring, and the provision of local insights. With sincere implementation, this initiative could become a cornerstone of national security and a beacon of hope for millions.”
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