The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 27 January, 2026, and signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group described the approval as a demonstration of the President’s resolve to address long-standing security challenges, particularly in forested and rural communities that have remained vulnerable to violent attacks.
While welcoming the initiative, NCYP cautioned that its success would largely depend on how the recruitment process is handled. The group urged the Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to prioritise youths from forest-bordering and security hotspot communities in the exercise.
According to NCYP, such youths possess intimate knowledge of the terrain and forest routes and are often the most affected by insecurity in their communities. It added that their direct exposure to the crisis would make them more committed and effective in safeguarding lives and property.
The organisation warned against what it described as the politicisation of the recruitment process, stressing that allowing political interests or criminal elements to hijack the initiative could undermine its objectives.
NCYP noted that similar lapses in some vigilante arrangements across the country had led to abuses, including harassment of perceived political opponents.
It also called for the active involvement of traditional rulers in the selection process, saying traditional institutions are well placed to identify credible and trustworthy youths within vulnerable communities. The group argued that the participation of traditional authorities would enhance accountability and ensure discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights among the recruits.
Beyond recruitment concerns, NCYP expressed reservations about the adequacy of the approved number of Forest Guards. The group described the 1,000 personnel as insufficient given Plateau State’s size and the scale of its security challenges.
It recalled that at least 20,000 Civilian Joint Task Force members were deployed in 2012 to assist security forces in combating Boko Haram in parts of Borno State, and urged the Federal Government to consider a similar scale of intervention.
NCYP also appealed to President Tinubu to approve an additional 4,000 Forest Guards for Plateau State to ensure effective coverage and long-term impact.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening community security, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.
