By Adesakin Adefemi
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo State. The group described the decision as a significant step toward strengthening internal security across the country.
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. It also noted that the move expands the Forest Guard initiative beyond its current scope.
The group, however, cautioned against delays in implementing the initiative. It cited the experience of Plateau State, where a similar approval announced months ago has yet to translate into operational deployment.
According to the NCYP, the decision aligns with its earlier call for the expansion of the Forest Guard programme to all states of the federation. 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 in rural communities in Plateau State, the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for the state. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval on January 27, 2026, with the aim of denying 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 rapid operationalisation through effective inter-agency collaboration.
The NCYP also called for the immediate establishment and operationalisation of Forest Guards in all states. It argued that a nationwide framework would enhance surveillance of forest corridors, improve intelligence gathering, and support ongoing military and security operations.
The organisation further advocated recruiting Forest Guards from host and forest communities. It said local residents possess better knowledge of the terrain, movement patterns, and hidden routes used by criminal elements, which would strengthen collaboration with security agencies.
