Group Urges Immediate Deployment of Forest Guards to Plateau

….Warns of Rising Terrorist Activities in Northern Forests

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to urgently deploy trained Forest Guards to Plateau State and other high-risk areas across Northern Nigeria, citing growing concerns over the use of ungoverned forests by terrorists and criminal groups.

The group made the appeal on Monday while applauding the Kaduna State Government for launching the training of Forest Guards aimed at improving security in forested regions.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP described the Kaduna initiative as a proactive step that supports the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim forests and remote areas from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other armed groups.

According to the organisation, vast forest belts across Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and several other northern states have increasingly become safe havens for criminal elements responsible for deadly attacks, kidnappings, destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of residents.

The group noted that while Kaduna’s action represents a positive model, Plateau State requires similar measures due to the recurring attacks on rural communities and the continued use of forest routes by armed groups.

“Kaduna’s decision to train Forest Guards reflects the type of decisive leadership needed to confront the security challenges facing the region. However, Plateau State urgently requires a comparable intervention to address persistent violence and the exploitation of forest corridors by terrorists,” the statement said.

The NCYP expressed concern over the recurring violence in Plateau, which it said has led to significant casualties, property losses, and humanitarian challenges. It argued that a properly trained and equipped Forest Guard system would improve intelligence gathering, deny criminals safe operating spaces, and strengthen cooperation between communities and conventional security agencies.

The group also urged northern state governments and federal authorities to accelerate the establishment of Forest Guard units as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security across vulnerable areas.

It stressed that reclaiming forests and other ungoverned spaces remains essential to tackling insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, adding that sustainable economic activities can only flourish in a secure environment.

The organisation further called for adequate funding, professional training, modern surveillance equipment, and strong accountability measures to ensure the success of the Forest Guard programme.

The NCYP reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at improving security across Northern Nigeria and urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent criminal groups from deepening their foothold in vulnerable communities.