Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has warned that Nigeria may be nearing a dangerous security turning point, cautioning against the emergence of fragmented community self-defence structures while calling for the urgent nationwide expansion of the Forest Guard initiative.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group commended the Defence Headquarters for sustained efforts against terrorist elements operating within forested areas, including recent operations linked to attacks on schools in parts of the South-west.
“While we acknowledge and commend the gallantry and responsiveness of the Armed Forces, we must strongly emphasise that the recurring pattern of dislodging terrorist elements from forest locations without a sustained holding and stabilization framework continues to create a cycle of return, re-infiltration, and renewed attacks,” the statement said.
The group warned that insecurity in Nigeria was not only persisting but adapting geographically and exploiting weak territorial control.
