Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, said it is committed to safeguarding and protecting every forest and bushes in the country from all forms of criminality including kidnapping and insurgency.
Commandant-General of NFSS, Mr Joshua Osatimehin said this yesterday during his tour of the South East Command and sensitisation of officers in Enugu.
He said the exercise was a show of force put up by the service to register their resolve to help in stamp out insecurity and secure local communities.
Osatimehin commended the administration in Enugu State for well-articulated strategies and plans to combat crime and criminality.
The commandant expressed the need for the forest security service to be incorporated into the state’s security architecture.
He said: “We believe that no development can happen if there is no peaceful environment.
“Governor Peter Mbah has done well and we want Nigeria Forest Security Service to be part of this success story.
“We appeal to him to co-opt and incorporate our members into the state internal security for a crime-free environment.
Speaking earlier, the Enugu State Commander, NFSS, Anslem Onyibor, expressed delight over the turnout of officers from the zone.
He expressed the willingness of the service to synergise with other security agencies in securing local communities and forests.
“These personnel are from the five South East states and we are here for show of force and to strengthen our collaboration with other security agencies to curb forest crimes.
“The governor of Enugu State is a peace loving and security sensitive governor, and we have seen all his efforts in strengthening the security apparatus in the state.
“He has been giving us support by creating an enabling environment for our men to operate,” he said.
Speaking, the traditional ruler of Isiukwu Achi Kingdom, HRH Chuks Nduniechie, praised the Service, saying it is a welcome development.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Oliver Odimega, urged the officers not to relent in spite of the challenges they may encounter. (NAN)
