The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged the federal government to safeguard the integrity of the newly revitalised Forest Guard, warning that it could be the country’s last line of defence against insecurity.
In a statement on Thursday, NCYP Chairman Isaac Abrak called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and relevant ministries to protect the initiative from political meddling.
The NCYP stressed that recruitment into the Forest Guard must prioritise local residents from Nigeria’s 1,129 forest areas.
“Their familiarity with the terrain gives them a unique advantage in combating criminal elements,” Abrak said.
A transparent and depoliticised recruitment process is critical to the initiative’s success, the group noted.
It cautioned against turning the Forest Guard into a tool for political patronage or enlisting individuals with questionable backgrounds.
The NCYP urged the government to involve community leaders and security agencies, such as the Department of State Services (DSS), to thoroughly vet candidates. Only those committed to protecting their communities should be recruited, it added.
The group commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to revitalise the Forest Guard, a key campaign issue for the NCYP across northern Nigeria.
“We are grateful that this vision is being realised,” Abrak said.
He said during training, recruits must be instilled with values of patriotism, discipline, and national unity, the NCYP emphasised. These principles should guide their conduct and loyalty to Nigeria.
