Written By Shindong Bala; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended the Kaduna State Government for commencing the training of Forest Guards, describing the initiative as a critical step toward addressing the growing insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group said the full implementation of the Forest Guard policy across states would significantly curb the activities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements operating within forested areas.
According to the NCYP, the recruitment of Forest Guard personnel from local communities is a strategic approach that would enhance intelligence gathering and security operations, as such individuals possess a better understanding of the terrain and are well-positioned to identify criminal hideouts.
The organisation specifically praised the administration of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for adopting a community-based recruitment model, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim forests and remote areas from criminal groups.
NCYP expressed confidence that empowering local communities to participate in forest security would strengthen surveillance, improve response mechanisms, and contribute to lasting peace and stability in affected regions.
The group further urged other states to emulate Kaduna’s example by expediting the establishment and deployment of Forest Guards as part of a coordinated national strategy to combat insecurity and protect vulnerable communities.
Rel/SHINDONG BALA
