The Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, NHFSS, Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin has restated the commitment of the Service towards combating insecurity in forests nationwide.
Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin stated this in Abuja while reacting to the planned establishment of Forest Guard by President Bola Tinubu.
The Commander General who commended President Bola Tinubu for the move said when established, the Forest Guard would effectively compliment the efforts of other formal security agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, boko haram and other criminality in the ungoverned spaces in the country.
According to him, the move will also enhance the realization of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration renewed hope agenda in the area of security.
While describing the establishment of Forest Guard by the Federal Government as long overdue, Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin said NHFSS has already been fully prepared for the task over the years as Officers and Men of the Service had been fully trained on intelligence gathering and other security strategies in line with the best international practices
He explained that NHFSS had equally over the years be complimenting the efforts of other formal security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the country most especially in forests across the country.
The Commander General who expressed the confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to deliver on security stated that Forest Guard would strengthen the nation’s security apparatus.
Ambassador Osatimehin noted that the task of overcoming the country’s security challenges required the collective support of all and sundry pointed out that NHFSS is a critical stakeholders towards realizing the planned objectives on the establishment of Forest Guard noting that the Service is fully ready and organized for the national security assignment.
“Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service already have formation in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT including the 774 Local Government nationwide with Headquarters in Abuja while our Officers and Men in those States and Local have over the years been playing their roles in securing lives and property without any monthly salary or renumeration hence the need for them to be converted to the Forest Guard of Mr President for formal and constitutional recognition for efficient and effective security strategies in Nigeria ” the NHFSS Boss emphasized.
He therefore stressed the need for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and political differences to support the security programmes of President Bola Tinubu to fast track national growth and development.