The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo State, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening security across the country.
The group, however, warned that the initiative must be implemented without delay, citing the experience of Plateau State where a similar approval is yet to become operational months after it was announced.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the organisation said the approval reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and expanding the Forest Guard programme nationwide.
According to the group, the decision aligns with its earlier call for the establishment of Forest Guards in all states of the federation.
While applauding the approval and ongoing efforts by security agencies to rescue kidnapped teachers and pupils in Oyo State, the NCYP stressed that security initiatives must move beyond policy announcements to actual recruitment, training and deployment.
The organisation recalled that the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Plateau State following deadly attacks and growing insecurity in rural communities.
It noted that the approval, announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima on January 27, 2026, was aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens in forest areas.
The group said: “Several months later, the Plateau Forest Guard initiative is yet to become operational. This highlights a critical implementation gap that must be urgently addressed to ensure that such approvals translate into effective security presence.”
The NCYP expressed optimism that the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security would improve coordination and accelerate the implementation of key security policies.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure approved security measures are rapidly operationalised through effective collaboration among relevant agencies.
According to the organisation, delays in implementing security interventions reduce their effectiveness and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit existing gaps.
The group also called for the immediate establishment and deployment of Forest Guards across all states, arguing that a nationwide framework would strengthen surveillance of forest corridors, improve intelligence gathering and support ongoing security operations.
It further advocated recruiting Forest Guards from host and forest communities, saying local residents possess valuable knowledge of the terrain and routes often used by criminal groups.
The NCYP maintained that a community-based Forest Guard structure would improve cooperation with security agencies and enhance the country’s ability to prevent and respond to threats in forested areas.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving national security, protecting lives and property, and promoting lasting peace across Nigeria.
