… Says Forest Security Service ‘ll effectively combat forests criminality
By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, NHFSS,
Wole Joshua Osatimehin, has applauded the National Assembly for the passage of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Bill.
He said the passage of the bill by both the Senate and the House of Representatives was a demonstration of high-level of patriotism by members of the National Assembly to their fatherland, nothing that the action highlighted the legislators’ zeal to see a secured Nigeria.
Addressing the media in Abuja, yesterday, following the passage of the bill by the Senate, months after a similar action by the House of Representatives, Osatimehin expressed optimism that the bill would be accorded accelerated assent by President Bola Tinubu when transmitted to him to act, given the president’s avowed commitment to emplace a secured country for citizens.
Regretting the high rate of criminal activities in the nation’s forests, the NHFSS Commander General was emphatic that emergence of the security outfit which is out to complement other security services, would completely curb the heightening insecurity arising from forests.
Recalling that the bill mandates foresters to work in synergy with constituted authorities, he said,”it will go a long way in boosting the internal security of our forested regions.”
He noted that the country has 364 international border points,pointing out that “Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest have 216 border points, out of which only 124 are under the control of the government and well-guarded. “
What about the remaining 137 that fall within the forested region? That’s what has given room to the miscreants crossing our borders, ” he said.
According to him, establishment of the para-military service would be one of the best achievements of the government of President Tinubu.
“We want to appreciate the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio for their commitment to Nigerians and for providing a lasting solution to the country’s security challenges over the years.
For them to have passed the Nigeria Forest Security Bill into law, I think it is one of the greatest achievements of this administration.
We want to appreciate them once again for the level of synergy and cooperation that exists between the executive and legislature, he said.
Speaking further, he noted that “during the electioneering campaign ,one of the cardinal points of the Renewed Hope Agenda of our president was to tackle internal security, especially in the forested regions. “
“This will boost the socioeconomic activities of our country. We all know what we have been facing over the years in terms of forest security.
“Some farmers have to pay ransom before they can access their farmlands because there is no security presence in the forested regions or bushes to gather local intelligence and disseminate it to the constituted authorities, ” he added.
He dismissed insinuations of possible inter-agency rivalry between his organisation and others, especially the Nigeria Police, when it becomes fully operational,saying the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, has a good relationship with Nigeria’s military and para-military agencies.
Answering questions on whether operatives of the NHFSS will be assigned with arms, given that not all para-military agencies in the country bear arms, Osatimehin who said the organisation will work for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not itself, said:” It is what they give us that we will work with. “
He noted that, ‘One of the clauses in the bill, Clause 7, Number 24, states that Nigeria Forestry Security Service will be bearing arms.’
According to him, “You can’t hunt criminals with your mouth, and you know the people we are fighting come with sophisticated weapons.
You can’t go there with bare hands or just words; we need to be armed. I believe the Nigerian military and police, being the parental body of any internal security, will still train us on arms handling and specify the kind of arms to bear. It could be a bow and arrow or something else, but that will be based on the approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria. “
Also, in his reaction to the passage of the bill,the Deputy Commander General of NHFSS, John Metchie, commended the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for successfully passing the NFSS Bill for the third time.
“This significant achievement demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security, particularly in securing the nation’s vast forest regions.
“”I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for his critical role in ensuring the passage of this Bill. His dedication and support were instrumental in achieving this milestone, and his contributions to national security efforts are truly commendable.
“By passing this Bill, the Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas who are most affected by insecurity. The establishment of a strong legal framework for forest security will not only protect lives and property but also enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to national economic growth.
“Furthermore, I commend the Commander General of the NFSS, Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin, for his tireless efforts in advocating for this Bill and his unwavering commitment to securing our nation. I also encourage all officers and personnel of the NFSS to remain steadfast in their duties, working alongside other security agencies to protect lives and property across the country,” Metchie said.
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