The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has identified widespread poverty and national disunity as key drivers behind the alarming surge in terrorism across Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, on Tuesday, the group emphasized that the escalating threat of terrorism—particularly in the northern region—is being exploited by various terrorist organizations, both local and international. These include Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and the recently emerging Lakurawa group, all of which have capitalized on deep-seated divisions within communities to perpetrate violence.
According to Abrak, “Terrorism thrives in environments marked by disunity and deprivation. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines—especially religious tensions between Christians and Muslims—have allowed these groups to operate with relative impunity. Instead of uniting against a common enemy, communities often fall into cycles of suspicion and mutual blame. This fragmentation has given terrorists the space to carry out attacks across religious and political boundaries.”
He continued: “We must ask ourselves why Christian-majority areas such as Plateau, Benue, and Gombe continue to face deadly attacks—like the recent incident where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally. Likewise, Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto remain under persistent threat. The reality is clear: terrorism recognizes no religion, ethnicity, or region. The entire nation is under siege, and without unity, we risk a fate similar to countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.”
Abrak underscored that national cohesion, rather than division, is the path forward. “We must foster unity across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This solidarity should be reinforced by bold, people-centric policies that empower communities and strip terrorists of the environments they exploit.”
He advocated for the revitalization of the Forest Guard, as outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto, noting that NCYP has long supported this initiative. “This program, if properly implemented, would involve recruiting local residents—those most familiar with the terrain—to protect our forests. Such a policy not only enhances security but also creates employment opportunities and reduces the socio-economic vulnerabilities that terrorist recruiters prey upon.”
Additionally, the group called for the full enforcement of Local Government Financial Autonomy, recently upheld by the Supreme Court. “Direct allocation of funds to local governments will enable genuine grassroots development and bolster communities’ resistance to extremist ideologies,” Abrak said.
However, Abrak expressed concern over ongoing political delays and resistance to these critical reforms. “We continue to witness deliberate political maneuvering that undermines the implementation of these initiatives. The debate over State Police versus the Forest Guard, for example, should not be a binary choice. If State Police is viable, why hasn’t the government moved forward decisively? Similarly, why have Local Government Councils failed to open accounts with the Central Bank to receive FAAC allocations directly, as required by the Constitution?”
He urged citizens, particularly those in rural areas, to demand full implementation of these reforms. “The political class has shown that urgent legal reforms are possible when the will exists—such as during the constitutional crisis following President Yar’Adua’s death. We must demonstrate that same urgency in enacting policies that secure our communities and protect our nation.”
Concluding the statement, Abrak affirmed NCYP’s commitment: “We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, are ready to collaborate with all patriotic Nigerians—irrespective of religion or ethnicity—in the collective effort to build a safer, more united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
