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The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has announced the training of over 24,000 new officers across the country as part of its initiative to enhance forest security.
NFSS Commander General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, made this announcement on Monday in Abuja during the conclusion of a five-day National Capacity-Building Workshop held simultaneously in six geopolitical zones.
He mentioned that this training program was the second quarterly session of the year and aimed to improve local intelligence gathering to support national security efforts.
The training emphasized refresher courses, inter-agency collaboration, and gathering intelligence, particularly in forested areas vulnerable to criminal activities.
"This year's second quarter training has been a tremendous success, with more than 24,000 new recruits trained nationwide," he said.
"These recruits underwent screening by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and traditional authorities before participating in mandatory refresher courses provided by various security organizations."
The NFSS commander noted that the training occurred simultaneously across important locations in each geopolitical zone, showcasing the agency's cooperation with constitutional authorities and law enforcement bodies, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military.
"Security agencies participated at different intervals to educate our officers on actionable intelligence, inter-agency synergy, and timely communication with law enforcement to address forest-related criminal threats," he added.
Osatimehin revealed that 6,836 operatives received training in the Federal Capital Territory, 4,122 in Plateau, 6,856 in Gombe, and over 9,000 in the South East. He urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the NFSS Establishment Bill into law, which has been approved by both houses of the National Assembly.
"We take this opportunity to urge His Excellency, the President, to endorse the bill that will establish the NFSS," he stated.
"This will formalize our operations and provide our officers the confidence and legal authority to take decisive action against criminals in Nigeria's forests."
He encouraged the newly recruited officers to serve with bravery and integrity, emphasizing that Nigeria requires heroes to safeguard forest resources and communities.
"Nigerians need heroes, and these officers must don their uniforms with pride and respect," Osatimehin added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, stated that citizens should expect improvements in security, asserting that the NFSS is dedicated to combating crimes in forested areas.
Metchie called for ongoing support from the public for the service in its efforts to address insecurity.
