The Nigerian Forest Security Service on Friday decorated six officers, pledging to combat insecurity through enhanced surveillance and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Commander General of the NFSS, Joshua Osatimehin, represented by Yinka Obadofin, noted that the decorations were intended to motivate the officers towards achieving improved results.
“We want to spur them to do more. These are well-experienced officers who have excelled in their respective fields, and bringing them into the NFSS is to assist us in building the command,” he said.
Osatimehin added that the officers would help strengthen the command and make the forests inhospitable to criminals.
Criminals hiding within the bush, hibernating there comfortably, will find the forests uncomfortable under our watch.”
He continued, “We selected them based on their wealth of experience to help us build the command and contribute to national development because we are expecting Mr President to assent to our bill soon.”
The Secretary to the Government of Gombe State, Ibrahim Njodi, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, commended the officers and urged them to make the most of the opportunity.
We congratulate the newly decorated officers,” he said.
Assuring them of the current administration’s support, Njodi added, “Present your demands and proposals. The Gombe State Government will support you to ensure our forests are safe.”
Also speaking, Assistant Commander General Duties Isa Zambukk emphasised the NFSS’s specific mandate to secure the forests.
In his words, “We are just beginning, but our mandate is clear: to ensure the forests are secured. Many may not appreciate their importance, but virtually all of Nigeria’s boundaries have forests.”