In a bid to bolster national security and address escalating criminal activities in Nigeria’s forest regions, top security agencies have pledged robust collaboration with the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS).
The Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) made the commitment during the graduation ceremony of NFSS operatives in Abuja. The operatives were trained in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and provost duties.
Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, hailed the NFSS initiative as a bold and necessary step toward complementing existing security frameworks.
“Effective policing, especially in forested and mountainous areas like those surrounding Abuja, must be intelligence-driven and collectively executed,” Adewale said. “Security is not a solo effort. Collaboration is key.”
Representing NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), Deputy Director of Operations, Kayode Raji, praised the NFSS for emphasizing intelligence and conflict management in their operations. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to working closely with the NFSS to combat drug-related crimes.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosun, also applauded the dedication of the NFSS in safeguarding remote communities, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
NFSS Commander-General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, stated that the training was part of a broader strategy to build a disciplined, efficient, and cooperative task force for Nigeria’s forested zones. He also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military contributed significantly to the training process.
“We are graduating stronger and more strategic,” Osatimehin declared. “Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with all sister agencies to defeat crime across Nigeria’s vast hinterlands.”
The renewed alliance underscores a significant move toward unified, intelligence-led security operations aimed at reclaiming and securing Nigeria’s vulnerable forest regions.
