NCYP Calls for Nationwide Expansion of Forest Guard Initiative

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP), led by Chairman Isaac Abrak, called on the Nigerian federal government to urgently expand the Forest Guard initiative across the country. In a statement, the group warned against the fragmentation of security structures, which could exacerbate insecurity.

They commended the efforts of the defense headquarters in combating terrorist elements in forest areas, particularly following recent attacks on schools in the southwest. The NCYP highlighted the trend of communities resorting to local self-defense mechanisms due to perceived delays in state responses to security threats.

They referenced successful security models, such as the Amotekun network in western Nigeria, while stressing the importance of a coordinated security framework that does not replace military operations. The NCYP identified major forest corridors exploited by criminal groups and emphasized the need for a nationwide framework to support the Forest Guard initiative, which is currently piloted in seven states: Adamawa, Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe.