The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called for the urgent deployment of trained Forest Guards to Plateau State and other vulnerable parts of Northern Nigeria, warning that terrorists and criminal groups are increasingly exploiting vast ungoverned forests to launch deadly attacks on communities.
The group made the call on Monday while commending the Kaduna State Government for commencing the training of Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security across forested areas of the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP described the Kaduna initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim forests and remote territories from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
According to the group, forests stretching across parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and other northern states have become operational bases for armed groups responsible for attacks on communities, abductions, destruction of farmlands and displacement of residents.
“Kaduna’s decision to train Forest Guards demonstrates the kind of proactive leadership required to address the growing security threats facing our region,” the statement said.
“However, the security challenge is not limited to Kaduna. Plateau State, in particular, urgently requires a similar intervention due to persistent attacks on rural communities and the use of forest corridors by terrorists and criminal gangs.”
The NCYP said Plateau State has recorded repeated violent attacks in recent years, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and humanitarian concerns.
The group argued that deploying trained Forest Guards would improve intelligence gathering, deny criminals safe havens and strengthen cooperation between communities and security agencies.
It also urged the Federal Government, security agencies and northern states to speed up the establishment of Forest Guard units as part of a wider security strategy to restore peace and stability.
The organisation said reclaiming forests and ungoverned spaces remains critical to tackling insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, adding that communities can only thrive when safety is guaranteed.
NCYP further called for adequate funding, professional training, modern surveillance technology and accountability mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the programme.
“As terrorists continue to exploit difficult terrains and remote forests, Nigeria cannot afford to leave these areas unprotected. The successful deployment of Forest Guards across vulnerable states will significantly enhance national security and help restore public confidence,” the group said.
The organisation reaffirmed support for efforts aimed at addressing insecurity and urged swift action to prevent further entrenchment of criminal groups in vulnerable areas.
Michael Olugbode
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