Tinubu's Move to Bolster Oyo Security Gets Thumbs Up from Christian Group

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals has expressed its appreciation for President Bola Tinubu's decision to approve the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo State. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing internal security across the country. However, the group has also sounded a note of caution, warning against delays in the implementation of this initiative. The experience of Plateau State, where a similar approval has yet to translate into operational deployment months after it was announced, serves as a reminder of the importance of timely action. In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP noted that the approval demonstrates the President's commitment to addressing the issue of insecurity and expanding the Forest Guard initiative beyond its current scope. The group had earlier called for the expansion of the Forest Guard programme to all states of the federation, and this decision is seen as a positive response to that call. While commending the Federal Government's approval and the ongoing efforts of security agencies in rescuing kidnapped teachers and pupils in Oyo State, the organisation stressed that security policies must be fully implemented through recruitment, training, and deployment. The NCYP recalled that the Federal Government had approved the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Plateau State following deadly attacks and rising insecurity in rural communities. This approval, announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima on January 27, 2026, was intended to deny criminal elements safe havens within forested areas. However, several months later, the Plateau Forest Guard initiative is yet to become operational, highlighting a critical implementation gap that must be urgently addressed. The group expressed optimism that the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security would strengthen coordination and accelerate the implementation of key security policies. It urged the Federal Government to ensure that approved security initiatives are rapidly operationalised through effective inter-agency collaboration. Delays in implementing security interventions, according to the NCYP, weaken their intended impact and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit existing gaps. The organisation also called for the immediate establishment and operationalisation of Forest Guards in all states, arguing that a nationwide framework would enhance surveillance of forest corridors, improve intelligence gathering, and support ongoing military and security operations. Furthermore, the group advocated for the recruitment of Forest Guards from host and forest communities, saying local residents possess better knowledge of the terrain, movement patterns, and hidden routes used by criminal elements. A community-based Forest Guard structure, it maintained, would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and improve the country's capacity to prevent and respond to security threats within forested regions. The NCYP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening national security, protecting lives and property, and promoting lasting peace across Nigeria.