Abuja: The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has announced the completion of training for more than 24,000 new officers as part of its efforts to enhance forest security across the country. This was disclosed by the Commander General of NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, during the conclusion of a five-day National Capacity-Building Workshop held simultaneously in six geo-political zones.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Osatimehin explained that this training marked the second quarterly exercise of the year, aimed at improving local intelligence gathering to support national security operations. The exercise included refresher courses, inter-agency collaboration, and intelligence gathering, focusing particularly on forested regions vulnerable to criminal activities.
Osatimehin highlighted the success of the training, stating, “This year’s second quarter training has been a huge success. We have trained more than 24,000 new recruits across the federation.” He also noted that these recruits underwent rigorous screening by the police, Department of State Service (DSS), and traditional institutions before participating in the compulsory refresher courses conducted by various security agencies.
The Commander General emphasized that the training was conducted concurrently in key locations within the zones, showcasing collaboration with constitutional authorities and law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military. “Security agencies came at different times to lecture our officers on actionable intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and prompt communication with law enforcement to tackle forest-based criminal threats,” he added.
Osatimehin revealed the number of operatives trained in various regions: 6,836 in the FCT, 4,122 in Plateau, 6,856 in Gombe, and more than 9,000 in the South East. He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the NFSS Establishment Bill into law, following its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly, to formalize operations and provide legal backing for officers against forest-based criminal activities.
He urged the newly recruited officers to serve with courage and integrity, underscoring the need for heroes to protect Nigeria’s forest resources and communities. “Nigerians need heroes, and these officers must wear their uniforms with pride and honour,” Osatimehin stated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, assured that the NFSS is dedicated to improving security and tackling forest crimes. Metchie called for continuous support from citizens in the fight against insecurity.
