To address the security challenges in the country, the National Youth Wing of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the immediate deployment of at least 100,000 newly recruited, specially trained Forest Guards and Rural Security Personnel across the North-West and North-Central zones within the next six months, equipped with modern communication gadgets and rapid-response vehicles.
The recommendation was contained in a statement by the National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Isreal on Wednesday in which the group said it was deeply saddened and outraged by the recent wave of attacks and banditry across Niger, Kwara, Borno and more recently Kebbi.
While commending the initial steps so far taken by President Bola Tinubu, the Army and other security agencies operating in the axis, the Youth wing said the stark reality is that these efforts are not yet enough.
Other recommendations by the youth wing include: Establishment of permanent Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in every identified bandit/terrorist enclave, including Kamuku-Kuyambana, Dansadau, Falgore, and Sububu forests, with 24/7 drone surveillance and air support on standby.
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* Full activation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan with the creation of modern grazing reserves and cattle ranches in willing states to end open grazing and reduce farmer-herder clashes permanently.
* Immediate fortification of all 10,000+ public schools in high-risk local government areas with perimeter fencing, CCTV, trained armed guards, and emergency communication systems before the end of 2026.
* Launch of a special North-East/North-West Youth Economic Empowerment Scheme targeting 1 million youths with skills acquisition, start-up grants, and agricultural mechanisation support to remove the economic incentives driving recruitment into banditry and terrorism.
* Expansion of Operation Safe Corridor to the North-West with dedicated rehabilitation centres in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina for repentant bandits, coupled with a simultaneous “no-negotiation-with-high-value-terrorists” policy.
* Comprehensive audit and overhaul of military and police intelligence architecture to eliminate sabotage, leakage, and corruption, with severe sanctions for any officer found compromising operations.
* Activation of the Victims of Terrorism Support Fund to provide immediate financial, medical, and psychological support to families of fallen heroes and victims of attacks.
According to the Youth Wing: “Time is up for terrorists, bandits, their sponsors, and their informants. Their reign of terror must end now.”
The group called on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to rise above bigotry, ethnic jingoism, and divisive narratives.
“Insecurity is a national problem that requires a united national response. When we view these tragedies through tribal or religious lenses only, we give comfort to the enemy. United we stand, divided we perish,” the group stated.
The Youth Wing condoled with the Armed Forces and the family of the gallant Brigadier General Muhammed Uba, Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade brutally murdered by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.
It also sympathised with Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, people of Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area and especially the congregation of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) that came under vicious attack.
