Northern Christians urges Tinubu to hasten Forest Guard and State Police reforms after Trump-linked troop reports, stressing Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal security.
The Forest Guard and State Police reforms have once again taken center stage as the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate their implementation.
The group’s appeal follows reports that the United States government, allegedly influenced by President Donald Trump, might consider deploying American troops to Nigeria, a move the group condemned as unnecessary and counterproductive.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP urged the Federal Government to show leadership and urgency by implementing the Forest Guard and State Police initiatives.
According to the group, these reforms are critical to reinforcing Nigeria’s internal security and protecting its sovereignty from external interference.
Abrak stressed that Nigeria must demonstrate to the world that it possesses the capacity to protect its citizens and manage its affairs without foreign military intervention.
He warned that reliance on external forces for internal security could weaken Nigeria’s image as a sovereign nation and erode public confidence in the government’s ability to handle national defense.
The NCYP described the idea of deploying foreign troops to Nigeria as a threat to the nation’s independence and a distraction from genuine homegrown solutions.
Rather than allowing foreign soldiers into the country, the group advised that the U.S. and other global partners assist through intelligence sharing, advanced training, and technical support, which would respect Nigeria’s autonomy while enhancing its defense capacity.
The group emphasized that the Forest Guard and State Police initiatives represent the most practical and sustainable approach to solving Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges.
It explained that both initiatives, if properly executed, would help dismantle criminal networks, combat banditry, and secure rural communities where violent groups operate freely.
The NCYP recalled that the Forest Guard concept, approved by President Tinubu in May 2025 under his Renewed Hope Agenda, was designed to address rising insecurity from forest-based criminal elements, including kidnappers and insurgents.
However, the group expressed concern about the slow implementation of the program and the limited inclusion of local communities in the planning and execution process.
According to the NCYP, involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and local youths in the recruitment and management of the Forest Guard and State Police would make the system more effective and sustainable.
The group maintained that security rooted in community participation not only builds trust between citizens and government but also generates employment opportunities for young people in rural areas, reducing poverty and discouraging criminal behavior.
Abrak explained that Nigeria’s size and diversity demand a decentralized policing structure that empowers state and local governments to take charge of their internal security.
He said the Forest Guard and State Police model is uniquely designed to achieve this, as it allows for better intelligence gathering, quicker response times, and improved coordination with local communities.
The organisation urged President Tinubu to demonstrate political will by ensuring that adequate resources, logistics, and training are provided for personnel.
It also recommended strict accountability frameworks to monitor implementation and prevent corruption or misuse of public funds.
The NCYP cautioned that without firm leadership, the initiatives could stall, allowing insecurity to continue threatening national peace and stability.
On the international front, the NCYP reaffirmed its position that Trump’s reported proposal to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria is unwarranted.
The group noted that while Nigeria values its diplomatic relationship with the United States, it does not need foreign troops to maintain internal order.
Instead, it urged President Tinubu to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the U.S. in areas like training, intelligence exchange, and counterterrorism technology — areas that build capacity without compromising independence.
The NCYP further explained that deploying the Forest Guard and State Police will demonstrate that Nigeria is capable of solving its security issues from within.
The group added that relying on external intervention sends the wrong message and undermines the country’s dignity and self-reliance.
Nigeria, it said, must take pride in defending its borders and protecting its citizens through domestic systems.
Beyond security, the NCYP pointed out that the Forest Guard and State Police initiative also aligns with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda — to promote job creation, rural empowerment, and inclusive development.
By engaging young people in meaningful roles, the initiative can reduce unemployment, build discipline, and foster community ownership of security processes.
The organisation urged the government to act with urgency and sincerity of purpose, ensuring that the implementation process is transparent, fair, and inclusive.
It cautioned against politicizing recruitment or turning the initiative into a platform for political patronage.
Rather, selection should be based on merit, integrity, and local knowledge to ensure that the right people are entrusted with security responsibilities.
As part of its recommendations, the NCYP proposed integrating modern technology into the operations of the Forest Guard and State Police.
The use of drones, GPS tracking, and digital communication tools, it said, will enhance efficiency and coordination across different states.
These innovations would allow for early detection of threats and quicker responses to criminal activities, particularly in remote forest areas.
The NCYP applauded President Tinubu’s foresight in approving the initiatives and expressed confidence that, if implemented effectively, they would restore peace, protect lives, and reaffirm Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The group maintained that the Forest Guard and State Police reforms are not merely policy choices but necessary steps toward national rebirth, resilience, and independence from external control.
“By fast-tracking these reforms,” the statement read, “Nigeria will send a clear message to the international community — including the Trump administration — that it is capable of defending itself and managing its internal affairs without foreign troops.”
The NCYP reiterated that true national pride lies in self-reliance and homegrown solutions. With the right commitment, resources, and community involvement, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and ensure lasting peace for all.
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