Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, the Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), has expressed his concurrence with the remarks made by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, regarding the inadequacy of local vigilantes and forest guards, as established by the state government, to effectively confront the escalating threat posed by bandits and other violent criminals terrorizing local communities.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia noted that the State Protection Guards are only authorized to carry Dane guns. At the same time, armed militias openly wield AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, thus rendering law enforcement both perilous and largely ineffective.
The Governor's comments were in response to inquiries raised by the Benue Advocacy Network concerning the continued rise in insecurity despite the implementation of an anti-open grazing law.
During a press conference held on Monday in Abuja, Dr. Osatimehin articulated, through the Deputy Commander General of Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, that the proposed legislation facilitating the establishment of the NFSS would empower its operatives to carry arms. This capability would enable the Service to effectively patrol forests, expel criminal elements, and safeguard local communities in Benue and other states nationwide.
Ambassador Metchie expressed condolences and solidarity with the Benue State government and its residents following the recent violent incidents in several communities. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of the military and other security agencies in addressing these challenges and striving to prevent future occurrences.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu for his personal engagement in the matter, including directives issued to security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of these crimes.
“The Nigerian Forest Security Service extends its sympathies to the government and citizens of Benue, Plateau, and other states recently affected by attacks from violent criminal elements, particularly to the families of the victims. We concur with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards are insufficient to provide protection against violent criminals equipped with high-grade weaponry.
“It is for this reason that the NFSS has been established as a critical component to address these security deficiencies. We recognize and commend the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military, the Police, the Department of State Security, the Office of the National Security Advisor, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant agencies in their pursuit of national security and the protection of citizens and property.
“The NFSS is confident that once the bill establishing the Service is endorsed by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, significant advances can be made through collaborative efforts and synergies, particularly in the domain of intelligence gathering and sharing, which are vital to national security.
“In this regard, we take the opportunity to solicit the support of Governor Alia and all other stakeholders for the prompt signing of the NFSS bill into law by the President," stated Metchie.
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