From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone played host to the state director of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, in Sapele.
The meeting was aimed at addressing the rising tide of insecurity linked to forest regions in Delta State.
The meeting, which was led by the Grand Patron of NFSS, Captain Anthony Onoharigho, focused on collaborative strategies to combat the use of forested areas by kidnappers and other criminal elements, particularly following recent incidents in Abraka and surrounding communities.
Addressing the NFSS delegation at his residence, Senator Dafinone emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts between environmental security operatives and conventional law enforcement agencies.
“We can no longer ignore the role that our forests have begun to play in enabling criminal activities, particularly kidnapping.
“The recent cases in Abraka have shown us that these forest corridors are being used as strategic hideouts for those who wish to harm our people. We must act decisively and that is why this meeting is not just timely, but necessary,” Dafinone said.
He commended NFSS for their grassroots presence and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s forests, noting that their role in environmental monitoring directly intersects with broader issues of public safety.
“NFSS has shown capacity and discipline in their operations across various states, and we in Delta must now build a stronger alliance with them. We must leverage your boots-on-the-ground experience, local intelligence and environmental expertise to plug the gap in our security framework,” he added.
The senator assured the delegation of his full legislative and logistical support, pledging to advocate improved collaboration and resource-sharing between forest operatives and mainstream security outfits such as the police and military.
“Our people deserve to live in peace and go about their daily activities without fear. If that peace is being threatened from our forests, then we must fortify them. This engagement is the beginning of a new and cooperative front,” Dafinone stated.
On his part, Captain Anthony Onoharigho expressed appreciation to the senator for the warm reception and for taking proactive steps toward integrating forest security into the broader security strategy of Delta State.
“We are not here just to patrol trees. We are here to protect lives and property by securing the forests that have now become soft targets for exploitation by criminals.
“With the support of stakeholders like Senator Dafinone, we are confident that NFSS can play a more decisive role in stabilising these areas.”
NFSS, a paramilitary agency tasked with forest surveillance, environmental enforcement and intelligence gathering, has been actively engaged in monitoring illegal activities across several forest zones in the state. In recent months, it has stepped up operations in tandem with local vigilantes and security operatives, especially in areas identified as high-risk for banditry and kidnapping.
