NCYP Praises Recruitment of Forest Guards in Oyo State
The Northern Federation of Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State. The group views this initiative as a significant stride toward enhancing internal security and fostering community-based protection throughout Nigeria.
Government Acknowledges Growing Security Challenges
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Chairman Isaac Ablak, the NCYP highlighted that this approval underscores the federal government’s awareness of the escalating security threats posed by forest regions. The organization emphasized the urgent imperative to bolster surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities nationwide.
Advocacy for Nationwide Forest Ranger Program
The NCYP reiterated its earlier appeal made on May 25, 2026, urging the federal government to expand forest ranger initiatives beyond initial pilot programs and to implement similar structures across all states. This expansion is seen as vital for comprehensive security management.
Need for Effective Implementation of Security Policies
While the NCYP commended security agencies’ ongoing efforts to secure the release of abducted school teachers and children in Oyo State, it warned against mere declarations of policy without effective execution. The group pointed out the case of Plateau State, where the announcement to hire 1,000 forest guards was made in January in response to a series of devastating attacks. Despite this, the program remains unimplemented months later, highlighting a concerning disconnect between policy approval and actual execution.
Urgency of Timely Security Measures
The NCYP articulated that security decisions must be rapidly and effectively executed through recruitment, training, and deployment. Delays, according to the statement, not only undermine the intended impact of such initiatives but also provide criminal elements with opportunities to exploit security vulnerabilities.
Optimism over New Appointments in Security Roles
The organization expressed confidence that the recent appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Advisor on Homeland Security will enhance collaboration and expedite the rollout of essential security initiatives nationwide.
Community Engagement in Security Initiatives
The NCYP has called for the establishment of forest guards across all states, advocating that a national framework would facilitate better monitoring of forest corridors, strengthen intelligence-gathering efforts, and provide more robust support for military and law enforcement operations. They recommend prioritizing the recruitment of residents from host regions and forest areas, as these individuals possess valuable knowledge of local topography and the movement patterns of criminal groups.
Commitment to National Security Efforts
According to the NCYP, a community-based approach will not only deepen collaboration with security agencies but also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and respond to threats originating from forested regions. The organization reaffirmed its dedication to supporting initiatives aimed at fortifying national security, safeguarding lives and property, and restoring enduring peace throughout the nation.
