The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deploying a specialised security team to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The group described the decision as a bold demonstration of leadership and commitment to national security.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group said President Tinubu’s swift intervention has further reinforced public confidence in the Federal Government’s determination to confront insecurity across the country.
Yakubu stated, “The approval of 1,000 forest guards by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a timely and strategic response to the growing security concerns in many parts of the country.
“It is a clear indication that the President is not only listening to the cries of Nigerians but is taking concrete steps to protect lives and property.”
He added that the initiative would strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance in forests and rural communities that have become targets of criminal activities.
“The forests have long been exploited by kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements. By approving the recruitment of forest guards, President Tinubu has demonstrated foresight and a practical understanding of the security realities facing our nation.
“This initiative will go a long way in denying criminals safe havens and enhancing community security,” Yakubu stated.
The statement also commended Tinubu for directing the deployment of a specialised rescue team to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“Nothing is more reassuring than having a President who responds swiftly when the lives of innocent citizens are threatened.
Yakubu further described the President’s willingness to consider establishing a military base in the affected communities as evidence of a responsive, people-oriented administration.
“The request for a military base by residents of the affected communities is both legitimate and necessary. We are pleased that President Tinubu has shown readiness to consider the request.
“This demonstrates that he listens to the people and is committed to implementing lasting solutions rather than temporary measures.”
According to him, the presence of top government and security officials in the communities sends a strong message that the Federal Government is fully engaged in addressing security challenges wherever they occur.
He noted that the forest guard initiative aligns with the long-standing advocacy by security experts and stakeholders for stronger community-based security structures.
“What President Tinubu has done is to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies with grassroots security mechanisms. This is a commendable step that deserves the support of all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation,” he added.
Yakubu called on state governments and community leaders to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the initiative’s success.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all stakeholders to support this laudable programme and cooperate with security agencies to achieve the desired results. The fight against insecurity requires unity, vigilance, and sustained commitment.” He added.
The Arewa Think Tank however urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s security reforms, expressing confidence that the President’s ongoing efforts would yield positive outcomes in the quest for a safer and more peaceful nation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated courage, compassion, and determination in confronting one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
“We commend him for these decisive actions and encourage him to sustain the momentum until insecurity is decisively defeated,” Yakubu stated.
Arewa Think Tank also expressed support for the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of the country, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit security challenges for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the concerns raised by the Lagos State chapter of the APC deserved serious consideration, particularly in light of historical patterns where insecurity often intensified during politically sensitive periods.
Yakubu noted that while security agencies have continued to make significant gains against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, there appears to be a deliberate effort by certain interests to exaggerate isolated incidents in order to create fear and undermine public confidence in government institutions.
