Abuja, November 6, 2025 — The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the Armed Forest Guard and State Police, describing them as critical measures to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and demonstrate the nation’s capacity for self-protection.
In a statement released on Thursday, NCYP commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing reforms in the security sector, particularly following the recent designation of Nigeria by the United States Government as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The group, however, cautioned against reports of possible U.S. military deployment to Nigeria under the Trump administration, warning that such a move could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. It urged President Trump to instead support Nigeria’s local security initiatives through technical assistance, training, and intelligence sharing.
“Nigeria can secure itself if empowered to do so. The most effective way to prevent foreign intervention is to strengthen our local security institutions,” the statement read.
NCYP reminded the public that President Tinubu’s approval of the Forest Guard Initiative in May 2025 marked a major step toward tackling violent groups operating in Nigeria’s forests. However, it noted that the impact has so far been limited due to insufficient community involvement.
The organization emphasized that the success of the Forest Guard depends on community-driven recruitment, coordinated by traditional rulers and local leaders who understand their terrains and security dynamics. Such an approach, it said, would empower local populations, create jobs, and rebuild trust between citizens and the state.
With Nigeria’s vast landmass of over 923,000 square kilometres and a population exceeding 250 million, NCYP stressed that the military alone cannot cover all areas, especially ungoverned spaces exploited by terrorists and bandits. The Forest Guard and State Police, it argued, must complement existing agencies to close security gaps.
The group further drew parallels with the United States, which operates Forest Service Rangers, National Park Rangers, and State Police, institutions that have proven effective in maintaining law and order, protecting national reserves, and combating threats.
“Rather than deploy troops, the United States should support Nigeria to build similar institutions rooted in local ownership,” NCYP added.
Finally, NCYP urged the National Assembly, Federal and State Governments, and the Judiciary to urgently harmonize the legal frameworks necessary to operationalize the Forest Guard and State Police, describing the effort as a “national necessity” comparable to the doctrine invoked during the 2010 constitutional crisis following President Yar’Adua’s death.
The group concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria’s security sovereignty must be preserved, and that collaboration, not intervention, remains the best path toward shared peace and global stability.
— Kabido News