By Moses Kolo

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the revitalisation of the Forest Guard Initiative as outlined on page 9 of the Renewed Hope Manifesto (2022).

Mr. Isaac Abrak, Chairman of NCYP, made the commendation on Thursday in Kaduna in a statement he issued to newsmen.

It could be recalled Tinubu had approved the establishment of armed forest guards to secure Nigeria?s 1,129 forests from terrorists and criminal gangs.

This was made known on Wednesday by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Media and Public Communication on his official X account.

Abrak said, ?This critical move marks a decisive step in addressing the security challenges posed by violent groups hiding in Nigeria?s forests.

?We commend Tinubu for not only remaining true to his word but also for demonstrating that he has listened to the consistent calls by our organization and other concerned Nigerians.

?The revitalisation of the Forest Guard was the cornerstone of our campaign across the Northern region.

?At several campaign engagements, we urged Nigerians, especially those from vulnerable communities, to support Tinubu, assuring them that he would establish community-based security outfits and recruit local youth to protect their forests and communities.

?Today, we are grateful that this vision is being realised.?

The chairman said that the achievement had vindicated NCYP?s decision to campaign vigorously for Tinubu.

He, however, said that the group urged for a community-based implementation of the initiative.

Abrak said, ?As this initiative moves to implementation, we call on the office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that recruitment into the Forest Guard is driven by community inclusion and integrity.

?We firmly reiterate our belief that individuals residing in and around the 1,129 forest areas across Nigeria should be prioritized for recruitment.

?Their familiarity with the terrain gives them a unique advantage in combating criminal elements and maintaining security within these forests.

?Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on a transparent and depoliticized recruitment process.

The chairman also urged the Federal Government to avoid making the forest guards as an avenue for political patronage or the recruitment of individuals with questionable backgrounds.

He urged that community leaders and security agencies such as the DSS must be consulted to vet candidates thoroughly, adding, ?Only Nigerians with a genuine commitment to protecting their communities should be enlisted.

?Similarly, we reiterate that at inception, the forest guards can recruit and employ a total of 185,000 youths taking 5000 from each state including the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja.?

Abrak further stated that the forest guards could represent the last viable line of defence in the effort to curb terrorism and banditry in both the North and South.

He said to this end, the integrity and effectiveness of the unit must not be compromised, adding, ?We urge all the stakeholders including the president, the National Security Adviser and relevant Ministries to shield the initiative from political interference.?

Abrak said, ?During training, recruits must be imbued with values of patriotism, discipline, citizenship, and the one Nigeria dream envisioned by our founding fathers and these values should guide their conduct and deepen their loyalty to the nation.

He reiterated NCYP?s commitment to supporting the government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Abrak said, ?We are ready to collaborate in community sensitisation, monitoring, and providing local insights to ensure the success of this initiative.

?We believe that with sincere implementation, the revitalised forest guards will become a cornerstone in securing Nigeria?s forests and protecting its citizens.? (NAN)

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