The Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, has expressed support for Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia's position that local vigilantes and forest guards established by the state government are inadequately equipped to confront heavily armed bandits terrorizing local communities.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia had highlighted that State Protection Guards are only permitted to carry Dane guns, while militias openly wield sophisticated weapons like AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, making enforcement efforts both dangerous and ineffective.
Responding to questions from journalists on Monday in Abuja, Osatimehin, represented by Deputy Commander General for Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, stated that the proposed legislation for establishing the NFSS would authorize its operatives to bear arms, enabling them to effectively patrol forests, eliminate criminal elements, and protect vulnerable communities in Benue and across Nigeria.
"The Nigerian Forest Security Service sympathizes with the government and people of Benue, Plateau, and other states recently affected by attacks by violent criminal elements, especially families of the victims," Metchie said.
"We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards cannot protect communities, especially in cases where violent criminals who operate with high-grade weapons are involved. It is for that reason that the NFSS is here as the missing link to bridge the gap," he added.
Metchie expressed appreciation for the military and other security agencies for their swift response to recent attacks in Benue communities. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for personally visiting the affected state and directing security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the violence.
The NFSS official emphasized that once President Tinubu signs the bill establishing the Service, significant progress could be achieved through collaborative efforts and synergy, particularly in intelligence gathering and sharing, which he described as critical components of national security.
"To that end, we use this opportunity to solicit the support of Governor Alia and all other stakeholders for the NFSS bill to be signed into law by Mr. President," Metchie concluded.
The Governor's comments were in response to concerns raised by the Benue Advocacy Network regarding persistent insecurity despite the existence of an anti-open grazing law in the state.
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