Group Demands Immediate Deployment Of Forest Guards To Plateau As Terrorists Exploit Ungoverned Forests

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called for the urgent deployment of trained Forest Guards to Plateau State and other vulnerable parts of Northern Nigeria, warning that terrorists and criminal groups are increasingly exploiting vast ungoverned forests to launch deadly attacks on communities.

The group made the call on Monday while commending the Kaduna State Government for commencing the training of Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security across forested areas of the state.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP described the Kaduna initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim forests and remote territories from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

According to the group, the forests stretching across parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and other northern states have become operational bases for armed groups responsible for attacks on communities, abductions, destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of thousands of residents.

“Kaduna’s decision to train Forest Guards demonstrates the kind of proactive leadership required to address the growing security threats facing our region,” the statement said. “However, the security challenge is not limited to Kaduna. Plateau State, in particular, urgently requires a similar intervention due to the persistent attacks on rural communities and the exploitation of forest corridors by terrorists and criminal gangs.”

The NCYP noted that Plateau has witnessed repeated incidents of violence in recent years, resulting in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and heightened humanitarian concerns.

The group argued that deploying well-trained and properly equipped Forest Guards would help improve intelligence gathering, deny criminal groups safe havens, and strengthen collaboration between local communities and conventional security agencies.

The youth organisation further urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and state governments across the North to accelerate the establishment and deployment of Forest Guard units as part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at restoring peace and stability.

It stressed that reclaiming forests and ungoverned spaces is critical to defeating insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, adding that communities can only thrive when citizens feel secure enough to engage in farming, commerce, and other economic activities.

The NCYP also called for adequate funding, professional training, modern surveillance technology, and strict accountability mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the Forest Guard programme.

“As terrorists continue to exploit difficult terrains and remote forests, Nigeria cannot afford to leave these areas unprotected. The successful deployment of Forest Guards across vulnerable states will significantly enhance national security and help restore public confidence,” the group stated.

The organisation reaffirmed its support for all genuine efforts aimed at addressing insecurity and promoting lasting peace across Northern Nigeria, while urging authorities to act swiftly before criminal groups further consolidate their presence in vulnerable communities.