In a concerted effort to bolster Nigeria's internal security, particularly within its vast forested regions, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), alongside allied groups such as the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, and the Oodua Peoples Congress, have called upon President Bola Tinubu to sign the pending Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Bill into law. This legislation aims to grant legal recognition and paramilitary status to the NHFSS, thereby empowering it to collaborate more effectively with existing security agencies in combating banditry and other criminal activities in the nation's forests.
Commander General Joshua Osatimehin of the NHFSS emphasized the unique position of hunters in addressing forest-based insecurity. He stated, "We understand the forests; some of our operatives even live there. With the right support, we can deploy our arsenals—physically, spiritually, and otherwise—to drive out the bandits and kidnappers."
The NHFSS, originally known as the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, has undergone a transformation to focus on protecting forests from criminal exploitation. The organization has been actively involved in intelligence gathering and direct action against criminal elements, often operating in challenging terrains where conventional security forces have limited reach.
The call for presidential assent to the bill is not solely about legal recognition but also about providing the NHFSS with the necessary resources and authority to function effectively. Osatimehin highlighted the voluntary nature of their current operations and the need for formal support to enhance their capabilities.
The passage of the bill by the National Assembly has been lauded as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture. Stakeholders believe that the formal integration of the NHFSS into the national security framework will not only aid in curbing criminal activities in forests but also contribute to environmental conservation and the protection of biodiversity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, particularly in its forested regions, the empowerment of specialized groups like the NHFSS is seen as a strategic move to enhance the country's overall security and stability.
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