NYCP Hails Tinubu On Delivery On Forest Guard’s Promise….Calls For Community-Led Implementation

By Bukar BOLORI

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling one of his key campaign promises — the revitalization of the Forest Guard.

The group said as outlined on page 9 of the President’s Renewed Hope manifesto (2022), he has delivered on it, noting that this critical move marks a decisive step in addressing the security challenges posed by violent groups hiding in Nigeria’s forests.

A statement by the National President of the group, Isaac Abrak read: “We commend President Tinubu for not only remaining true to his word but also for demonstrating that he has listened to the consistent calls by our organisation and other concerned Nigerians.

“The revitalization of the Forest Guard was the cornerstone of our campaign across the Northern region. At several campaign engagements, we urged Nigerians, especially those from vulnerable communities, to support President Tinubu, assuring them that he would establish community-based security outfits and recruit local youth to protect their forests and communities. Today, we are grateful that this vision is being realized.”

Abrak further said: “This achievement vindicates our decision to campaign vigorously for President Tinubu. To God be the glory.”

He added that: “As this initiative moves to implementation, we call on the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that recruitment into the Forest Guard is driven by community inclusion and integrity. We firmly reiterate our belief that individuals residing in and around the 1,129 forest areas across Nigeria should be prioritized for recruitment. Their familiarity with the terrain gives them a unique advantage in combating criminal elements and maintaining security within these forests.

“Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on a transparent and depoliticized recruitment process. We urge the Federal Government to avoid making the Forest Guard an avenue for political patronage or the recruitment of individuals with questionable backgrounds. Community leaders and security agencies such as the DSS must be consulted to vet candidates thoroughly. Only Nigerians with a genuine commitment to protecting their communities should be enlisted.

“Similarly we reiterate that at inception the Forest Gaurd can recruit and empoy a total of 185,000 youths taking 5000 from each state including the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja.”

He posited that: “The Forest Guard could represent the last viable line of defense in the effort to curb terrorism and banditry in both the North and South. Therefore, the integrity and effectiveness of this unit must not be compromised. We caution all stakeholders — including the President, the National Security Adviser, and relevant ministries — to shield this initiative from political interference.

“During training, recruits must be imbued with values of patriotism, discipline, citizenship, and the One Nigeria dream envisioned by our founding fathers. These values should guide their conduct and deepen their loyalty to the nation.”

He said: “The NCYP remains committed to supporting the government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Federal Ministry of Environment headed by Alhaji Balarebe Abbas Lawal, as they carry out this critical national assignment. We are ready to collaborate in community sensitization, monitoring, and providing local insights to ensure the success of this initiative.

“We believe that, with sincere implementation, the revitalized Forest Guard will become a cornerstone in securing Nigeria’s forests and protecting its citizens.”