Security Experts Seek Constitutional Recognition For NHFSS 

By Mathew Ayoola

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar has reiterated the commitment of the present administration towards combating insecurity in the country.

He stated this in Abuja during a National Conference on Security organized by the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service, NHFSS, with the theme “Combating Insecurity, Kidnapping and Illegal Mining Activities Within the Forest Areas in Nigeria”.

The Minister who was represented by his Senior Security Adviser, Technical, Major General Ahmed Jubril commended NHFSS for the conference and called for its establishment to complement the efforts of the Government in the fight against insecurity nationwide.

In a remark, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun identified NHFSS as critical stakeholders in security at the grassroots.

The IGP who was represented by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kayode Ojapewa expressed the readiness of the Police to continue to partner with the Service towards reducing insecurity to the barest minimum in the country.

In a message, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Major General Buba Marwa identified the forest space as a major area where illicit drug abuse is usually perpetrated hence the need for the support of NHFSS in addressing the problem that poses great danger to the society and the country in general.

Speaking on the theme of the conference: ” Combating Insecurity, Kidnapping and Illegal Mining Activities Within the Forest Areas in Nigeria”, the Commander General of Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service, NHFSS, Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin emphasized the role of the Service over the years in tackling crimes and criminality in the nation’s forest across the country.

Ambassador Osatimehin pointed out that the NHFSS Bill which is awaiting Presidential assent if finally signed into law would further enhance the performance of the Service towards complementing the efforts of other formal security agencies in the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.

He explained that the conference was organized as part of NHFSS’s contributions to combating insecurity in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area of security and well-being of the citizens.

Other stakeholders at the conference which includes Representatives of the NSCDC, FRSC, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Nigerian Customs Service among others emphasized the need for constitutional recognition for the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service, NHFSS, to further assist other formal security agencies in getting rid of criminals in the country.

The high points of the conference were paper presentations by security experts and an interactive session on effective and efficient security of Nigeria and its citizens.

Edited By Grace Namiji