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NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise
NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise
….Calls for Community-Led Implementation
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling one of his key campaign promises — the revitalization of the Forest Guard.
The group said as outlined on page 9 of the President’s Renewed Hope manifesto (2022), he has delivered on it, noting that this critical move marks a decisive step in addressing the security challenges posed by violent groups hiding in Nigeria’s forests.
A statement by the National President of the group, Isaac Abrak read: “We commend President Tinubu for not only remaining true to his word but also for demonstrating that he has listened to the consistent calls by our organisation and other concerned Nigerians.
“The revitalization of the Forest Guard was the cornerstone of our campaign across the Northern region. At several campaign engagements, we urged Nigerians, especially those from vulnerable communities, to support President Tinubu, assuring them that he would establish community-based security outfits and recruit local youth to protect their forests and communities. Today, we are grateful that this vision is being realized.”
Abrak further said: “This achievement vindicates our decision to campaign vigorously for President Tinubu. To God be the glory.”
He added that: “As this initiative moves to implementation, we call on the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that recruitment into the Forest Guard is driven by community inclusion and integrity. We firmly reiterate our belief that individuals residing in and around the 1,129 forest areas across Nigeria should be prioritized for recruitment. Their familiarity with the terrain gives them a unique advantage in combating criminal elements and maintaining security within these forests.
“Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on a transparent and depoliticized recruitment process. We urge the Federal Government to avoid making the Forest Guard an avenue for political patronage or the recruitment of individuals with questionable backgrounds. Community leaders and security agencies such as the DSS must be consulted to vet candidates thoroughly. Only Nigerians with a genuine commitment to protecting their communities should be enlisted.
“Similarly we reiterate that at inception the Forest Gaurd can recruit and empoy a total of 185,000 youths taking 5000 from each state including the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja.”
He posited that: “The Forest Guard could represent the last viable line of defense in the effort to curb terrorism and banditry in both the North and South. Therefore, the integrity and effectiveness of this unit must not be compromised. We caution all stakeholders — including the President, the National Security Adviser, and relevant ministries — to shield this initiative from political interference.
“During training, recruits must be imbued with values of patriotism, discipline, citizenship, and the One Nigeria dream envisioned by our founding fathers. These values should guide their conduct and deepen their loyalty to the nation.”
He said: “The NCYP remains committed to supporting the government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Federal Ministry of Environment headed by Alhaji Balarebe Abbas Lawal, as they carry out this critical national assignment. We are ready to collaborate in community sensitization, monitoring, and providing local insights to ensure the success of this initiative.
“We believe that, with sincere implementation, the revitalized Forest Guard will become a cornerstone in securing Nigeria’s forests and protecting its citizens.”
NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered arms during an offensive operation in Shinkafi LGA.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on March 13 by troops of CT 5, who launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka.
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed bandits and other criminal elements using the locations as operational hideouts.
During the operation at Tubali, troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby forested areas.
“During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.
Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
The recovered items were secured by the troops while further search operations were carried out around the camp to ensure that no other threats remained in the vicinity.
The sources added that when troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, no contact was made with terrorists as the suspects were believed to have fled the area ahead of the troop arrival.
However, troops maintained dominance in the general area while conducting further patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping.
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.
The sources said the suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of ₦7,000.
Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.
“The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region,” the source said.
The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.
The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.
Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.
Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.
According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.
The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.
Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Troops repel attack on Forward Operating Base Azir in Damboa LGA, push back ISWAP terrorists
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 in Damaturu
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
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