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 Kwali Abuja during the Decoration of Commander of NHFSS, Kwali Command, Alhaji Abubakar Usman.
Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin who was represented by the FCT Commander of NHFSS, Mr Kyauta Barade said the Service would continue to 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.
The Commander General used the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for the planned trainitof Forest Guard in the fight against insecurity 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.
In a remark, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Mr Danladi Chiya commended the activities of officers and men of NHFSS in the fight against crimes and criminality in the area.
The Chairman who was represented by one of his Aides, Alhaji Sule Kolo promised the Council’s readiness to support and collaborate with NHFSS in protecting lives and property in rural communities of the area.
Earlier, the Newly Decorated Commander of NHFSS, Kwali Command, Alhaji Abubakar Usman solicited the support of Kwali Area Councils Authority in the provision of ooerational vehicles and logistics to enhance the activities of officers and men of NHFSS in the area.
Alhaji Usman said the NHFSS would continue to support the Council in the protection of lives and property in the area