Insecurity: Northern Youths Insist On Forest Guards

A group, Northern Christian Youths Professionals (NCYP) has expressed support for the creation of forest guards to stem insecurity in the country.

The youths also supported the stand of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on the urgent need for a solution that empowers the most victimised communities to actively participate in combating criminals and safeguarding the country with forest rapid response squads.

A statement issued by the group’s chairman, Isaac Abrak said for too long, terrorist groups disguised as bandits, oil-producing region activists, and separatist organisations, have wreaked havoc in our forests, perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians including killings, kidnappings, rapes, and displacements from their homes.

“The Northern Christian Youths Professionals recognize the urgent need for a solution that empowers the most victimized communities to actively participate in combating these criminals and safeguarding our nation.

“The proposed Forest Rapid Response initiative, akin to the Forest Guards NCYP has been advocating for, holds great promise in taking the fight directly to the terrorists in the forest. The emphasis on training and deploying squads stationed within the forests, equipped with housing and infrastructural facilities, signifies a departure from the reactive approach of deploying troops only after attacks occur,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to this proactive strategy, which aligns with the group’s longstanding call for a permanent and community-centered approach to combating forest terrorism.