By Peter Dansu In a major step toward bolstering security across Nigeria’s vast forested regions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to fo...
By Peter Dansu
In a major step toward bolstering security across Nigeria’s vast forested regions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to formally incorporate hunters and forest guards into the country’s security architecture.
The revelation came from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who disclosed this during a visit by the Commandant General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, to his palace in Ile-Ife on Wednesday.
The revered monarch, while expressing confidence in the capacity of the NFSS, stated that President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear commitment to empowering grassroots security through structured engagement of hunters nationwide.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for everything they have done so far. Less than two weeks ago, I had a discussion with Mr. President on the troubling insecurity within our forests,” the Ooni revealed.
“He has a very clear and strategic plan for your operations as forest guards. He said he is ready to formally integrate your work into the national security framework. This will strengthen our collective fight against insecurity across Nigeria,” he added.
Oba Ogunwusi further urged members of the NFSS to uphold integrity and never compromise when they are eventually deployed to oversee the country’s forests. He emphasized the vital role traditional rulers and community leaders can play in supporting forest guards to secure rural and forested zones.
Earlier, Dr. Osatimehin, accompanied by the NFSS commander for Osun State, Nureni Hammed, and commanders from the other five South-West states, said the group’s visit was aimed at rallying royal backing for President Tinubu’s plan to make NFSS the core of the proposed Forest Security Guard initiative.
He commended the Ooni for his steadfast support since the group was formed in 2016 and acknowledged governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi for actively engaging NFSS operatives to improve rural and forest security in their respective states.
“With the right support, our members across all 774 local government areas are capable of securing Nigeria’s forests and preventing criminal infiltration,” Osatimehin assured.
As insecurity continues to pose challenges in Nigeria, particularly in remote and forested regions, this initiative signals a shift toward community-rooted, collaborative security strategies—bridging traditional leadership, grassroots structures, and federal policy.
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