The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called for the immediate 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 as operational bases for attacks on communities.
The group made the appeal on Monday while commending the Kaduna State Government for commencing the training of Forest Guards aimed at strengthening 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 response that aligns with the Federal Government’s 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 spanning parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and other northern states have become safe havens for armed groups responsible for deadly attacks, kidnappings, destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of thousands 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 extends beyond Kaduna. Plateau State, in particular, urgently requires a similar intervention due to the persistent attacks on rural communities and the exploitation of forest corridors by terrorists and criminal gangs.”
The NCYP noted that Plateau State has suffered repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years, resulting in significant loss of life, destruction of property, and worsening humanitarian challenges.
The organisation argued that the deployment of well-trained and adequately equipped Forest Guards would enhance intelligence gathering, deny criminal groups access to safe havens, and improve collaboration between local communities and conventional security agencies.
It further urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and northern state governments to accelerate the establishment and deployment of Forest Guard units as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and stability across the region.
The group stressed that reclaiming forests and other ungoverned spaces remains critical to tackling insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, noting that sustainable economic activities such as farming and commerce can only flourish in a secure environment.
The NCYP also called for adequate funding, professional training, the deployment of modern surveillance technology, and strict accountability measures to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed Forest Guard 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 statement added.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity and promoting lasting peace across Northern Nigeria, while urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent criminal groups from further consolidating their presence in vulnerable communities.
