NFSS Trains, Recruits Over 24,000 To Safeguard Nigeria’s Forests

To effectively compliment the efforts of formal security agencies in combating insecurity in the 104 forest reserves in the North Central Region of the country, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, has trained over ten thousand of its men and officers in the region.

The officers were trained by the Police, Military, Civil Defence, NDLEA, Customs, and the Immigration.

The training was among other things to enable officers and men of NFSS to gather local intelligence for the formal security agencies towards combating insecurity and safeguarding lives and property in the country.

Speaking during the passing out parade of the annual Zonal five days capacity workshop in Gwagwalada Abuja, the Commander General of NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin who said the training was held simultaneously in the six geopolitical zones of the country stated that the Service has also trained and recruited over twenty four thousand people into NFSS towards supporting the fight against insecurity in the nation’s forested region.

According to the Commander General of NFSS, the Service is committed to contributing to the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area of security for all Nigerians most especially at the grassroots.

While appealing to President Bola Tinubu to sign the NFSS Bill into law, Dr Joshua Osatimehin stated that the move would go a long way in strengthening the country’s security architecture.

Also speaking, the National Adviser of NFSS, Retired AIG Uwem Akpan advised participants to put into practice what they learnt during the five days capacity training towards improving security in the country.

He stressed the need for government at all levels to effectively support the NFSS towards safeguarding people in their areas.

On her part, a Traditional Ruler and Iye Akwuma of Igala, Chief Edimeh Opaluwa commended the activities of NFSS over the years noting that the role of the Service in ensuring security at the grassroots cannot be overemphasized.

She said integrating the Nigeria Forest Security Service in the nation’s security apparatus would reduce banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other crimes across the country’s forests.

Highpoints of the five days capacity training were induction of the newly recruited officers and presentation of certificates to participants.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji