Abuja: The Commander-General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, has declared his support for Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in his efforts to equip local vigilantes and forest guards with the necessary tools to protect the community. Dr. Osatimehin, represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence, Dr. John Metchie, emphasized the importance of this initiative while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is crucial as the local vigilance groups and forest guards currently lack the capacity to confront the bandits and violent criminals that have been terrorizing local communities. Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, emphasized that the State Protection Guards are only allowed to carry dane guns, whereas the militias are equipped with more powerful AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, creating an imbalance that makes enforcement efforts dangerous and largely ineffective.
Dr. Osatimehin highlighted that the proposed legislation for establishing the NFSS includes provisions for its operatives to bear arms. This would empower the service to effectively patrol forests, remove criminal elements, and safeguard local communities in Benue and other states from attacks. He praised the military and other security agencies for their efforts in preventing the recurrence of such violent incidents.
Furthermore, Dr. Osatimehin expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his personal intervention, including visiting the affected state and instructing security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the crimes. The NFSS extended its sympathies to the government and people of Benue, Plateau, and other states recently impacted by attacks, particularly the families of the victims.
The NFSS agrees with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards are insufficient for protecting communities, especially against criminals wielding high-grade weapons. Dr. Osatimehin called for support from Governor Alia and other stakeholders to ensure the NFSS bill is signed into law by the President, which would bridge the current security gap.
