Nigeria Should Revitalise Forest Guards to Complement Security Agencies, Says Northern Group

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals on Monday called on the Federal Government to revitalize the Forest Guards to protect to complement the efforts of security agencies.

The organization which was reacting to the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State said the revitalization of Forest Guards is necessary because most of the violent group troubling Nigeria 

are all hiding in our forest. 

The Chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak, in a statement said maintaining a positive relationship between the military and civilians is crucial in the fight against terrorism.

Abraka called on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to prioritize the revitalization of the Forest Guard.  

He said, “Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Army during this time of mourning.

“We call for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Justice must be served to honor the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.

“We urge the Nigerian Army to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, ensuring that justice is pursued professionally and without harming innocent civilians. History has shown that heavy-handed responses can exacerbate tensions and hinder military and public cooperation.

“Regrettably, similar cases during the hay days Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, created a bad relationship between the army and the members of the public, because people who were victims of the high-handed nature of investigations of the killing of soldiers, grew dissentient for the troops fighting insurgency then. 

“The result of that only helped fuel the growth of the insurgents because the public was no longer forthcoming with the pieces of information that could have helped surmount the spread of the group, some of the youths who were victims of this high-handedness even joined Boko Haram in search for revenge.

“Maintaining a positive relationship between the military and civilians is crucial in the fight against terrorism. We encourage all community members, including traditional leaders, to cooperate fully with the army and provide any necessary information to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Additionally, we call on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to prioritize the revitalization of the Forest Guard.  because most of the violent group troubling our country such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West African Province, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) Fulani Bandits, and Oil Militants are all hiding in our forest. 

“As such, a well-groomed Forest Guard made of local forest community people will help the military to tackle the activities of these groups.”

Friday Olokor, Abuja

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