Christian Group Hails Approval, Warns Aga

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo State, describing the decision as a significant step toward strengthening internal security across the country.

The group, however, cautioned against delays in implementing the initiative, citing the experience of Plateau State, where a similar approval has yet to translate into operational deployment months after it was announced.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP said the approval demonstrated the President’s commitment to tackling insecurity and expanding the Forest Guard initiative beyond its current scope.

According to the group, the decision aligns with its earlier call for the expansion of the Forest Guard programme to all states of the federation.

While applauding the Federal Government’s approval and ongoing efforts by security agencies in rescuing kidnapped teachers and pupils in Oyo State, the organisation stressed that security policies must go beyond announcements and be fully implemented through recruitment, training and deployment.

The NCYP recalled that following deadly attacks and rising insecurity in rural communities in Plateau State, the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for the state.

It noted that the approval, announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima on January 27, 2026, was intended to deny criminal elements safe havens within forested areas.

“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 statement said.

The group expressed optimism that the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security would strengthen coordination and accelerate the implementation of key security policies.

It urged the Federal Government to ensure that approved security initiatives are rapidly operationalised through effective inter-agency collaboration.

According to the NCYP, delays in implementing security interventions weaken their intended impact and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit existing gaps.

The organisation also called for the immediate establishment and operationalisation of Forest Guards in all states, arguing that a nationwide framework would enhance surveillance of forest corridors, improve intelligence gathering and support ongoing military and security operations.

The group further advocated the recruitment of Forest Guards from host and forest communities, saying local residents possess better knowledge of the terrain, movement patterns and hidden routes used by criminal elements.

It maintained that a community-based Forest Guard structure would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and improve the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to security threats within forested regions.

The NCYP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening national security, protecting lives and property, and promoting lasting peace across Nigeria.