Trump:NCYP Lauds Tinubu Over Reformative Measures In Security Sector
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent reformative measures taken in Nigeria’s security sector, especially in the light of the country’s designation by the US Government as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
This is contained in a statement signed by NCYP’s Chairman,Isaac Abrak, and circulated to newsmen on Thursday.
“The NCYP believes that these steps reflect a strong commitment to restoring national confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to secure itself.
“We therefore call on the Federal Government to fully implement both the Armed Forest Guard and the State Police, as these measures will not only strengthen internal security but also reassure the international community that Nigeria can effectively manage its own security challenges as a sovereign nation.
“This call becomes even more urgent amid reports that the U.S. government, under the influence of President Donald Trump, is considering deploying American troops to Nigeria to combat terrorism.
“While we acknowledge the concern for peace and stability, such a move would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. The most effective way to prevent any foreign military intervention is for Nigeria to act decisively to strengthen its local security structures.
“As the main advocates for the establishment of the Forest Guard, NCYP recalls that on May 14, 2025, President Tinubu approved its creation—fulfilling a major pledge of his Renewed Hope Campaign to tackle violent groups in Nigeria’s forests.
“However, since the announcement, its implementation has had limited impact due to the alienation of forest communities from the initiative,” the group said.
It stated that the Forest Guard must be community-driven, with recruitment guided by traditional rulers and local leaders who understand the terrain and the security dynamics of their environment.
According to the NCYP,forest communities, being the immediate victims of killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and destruction of property, are naturally more motivated and committed to ending the menace.
It said with a population of over 250 million people and a landmass of about 923,768 square kilometres, Nigeria’s vast and complex geography makes it impossible for the military and existing security agencies alone to effectively cover all areas,especially the ungoverned spaces where terrorists and bandits operate.
“The Forest Guard and State Police are therefore essential to complement the military and close these security gaps, ensuring that every part of the country is protected and governed.
“Beyond improving security, the Forest Guard initiative also presents a major socio-economic opportunity by directly engaging youths from forest-bordering and rural communities. This will provide meaningful employment and empower local populations to participate in protecting their communities, while rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
“If the government fails to adopt this community-driven approach, the Forest Guard risks ineffectiveness and unnecessary casualties, which could make the outfit unpopular and unsustainable.
“Similarly, the State Police, long advocated by governors, will strengthen local policing, enhance intelligence gathering, and promote trust between citizens and law enforcement. While challenges such as political misuse or jurisdictional overlap may arise, these can and must be resolved as a matter of national security urgency.
“Just as the National Assembly (NASS) invoked the Doctrine of Necessity during the constitutional crisis following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, thereby preventing a leadership vacuum and ensuring the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s institutions must once again rise to the moment.
“The National Assembly, Federal Government, State Governments, and Judiciary must collaborate to urgently to address the legal frameworks needed to establish and operationalize the Forest Guard and State Police.
“This kind of decisive national response is necessary if Nigeria is to earn and maintain the respect of the United States and the wider international community as a country capable of managing its own affairs with wisdom and sovereignty.
“NCYP also notes that the United States operates similar security structures—including Forest Service Rangers, National Park Rangers, and State Police—which play vital roles in maintaining law and order, preventing terrorism, and protecting national reserves. These are precisely the kinds of institutions Nigeria is seeking to build through the Forest Guard and State Police models.
“Therefore, instead of considering troop deployment to Nigeria, NCYP urges the U.S. government and President Trump to support Nigeria in strengthening these local security institutions through technical assistance, training, and intelligence sharing,” the group added.