The Nigerian Senate is set to accelerate the passage of the Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill to strengthen efforts against banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities within the nation’s forests.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, disclosed this over the weekend when the Commander General of the NFSS, Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, led a delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja.
Senator Jibrin underscored the critical role of the NFSS in addressing security threats, commending Dr. Osatimehin and his team for their contributions to national security. He stressed that passing the NFSS Bill into law would enable the agency to work more effectively alongside the military, police, National Security Adviser’s office, Department of State Security Service, and other security agencies.
“We appreciate the efforts of you and your officers in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes. Your contributions have significantly helped the country. Passing the NFSS Bill into law will enable you to do even more. Other countries have similar security outfits under various names—agro-rangers, forest guards, or forest security services. The key point is that a fully funded and well-equipped service dedicated to securing our forests will eliminate safe havens for criminals,” Senator Jibrin stated.
He assured the NFSS delegation of the Senate’s full backing, promising to fast-track the legislative process.
“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to ensure this Bill is passed as soon as possible. Before we go on recess, the Bill will receive the necessary attention because it is in our national interest,” he pledged.
Earlier, Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin explained that the visit was to consult and update Senator Jibrin on the progress of the NFSS Bill. He highlighted the NFSS’s contributions to intelligence gathering, information sharing, and the apprehension of criminals, noting that these efforts have significantly bolstered Nigeria’s security.
Dr. Osatimehin also disclosed that the NFSS has established command and control offices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with thousands of operatives deployed nationwide. He emphasized that signing the Bill into law would further boost the morale of officers who have undergone extensive training with various security agencies.
The NFSS Deputy Commander General for Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, expressed gratitude to Senator Jibrin for his commitment to ensuring the NFSS Bill reaches its final stage.
He praised the Deputy Senate President for his leadership and collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Metchie, who also serves as the African Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, acknowledged the broad support the NFSS Bill has received from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He expressed confidence that with Senator Jibrin’s dedication, the legislative process would soon be completed.
He further commended Dr. Osatimehin for his leadership and urged the National Security Adviser and other key stakeholders to collaborate in securing the Bill’s approval by President Tinubu. Metchie stressed that enacting the Bill would significantly enhance national security, particularly in forested and ungoverned regions of the country.