CG NFSS Commends Quality Leadership Of Nuhu Ribadu, Seeks Nigerians Support In Combating Insecurity

The Commander General of Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin has commended the unrelenting and quality leadership efforts of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the country.

Dr. Joshua Osatimehin gave the commendation while delivering a paper entitled “Nigeria’s National Security Challenges and the Path Forward” during a Security Forum in Abuja

He said the current security challenges confronting Nigeria are deeply rooted in both historical and transnational factors.

According to him, one of the major realities is Nigeria’s strategic geographical position, sharing borders with Cameroon, Benin Republic, Niger, and Chad, with about 15 frontline states directly exposed to cross-border movements and security threats.

“These states include Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Cross River, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, and Yobe and this vast border network has unfortunately created avenues for transnational crimes, including:
illegal arms trafficking
terrorism and insurgency
banditry
kidnapping
smuggling
human trafficking
movement of criminal elements across borders.

In his words”Another significant factor that worsened the security situation in West Africa, including Nigeria, was the aftermath of the death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and the collapse of the Libyan state structure led to the dispersal of trained fighters, weapons, and mercenaries across the Sahel and West African sub-region. Many of these armed elements regrouped into criminal and insurgent gangs, thereby escalating insecurity in Nigeria and neighbouring countries”.

“This development has had a direct impact on the rise of armed groups operating within forest corridors, border communities, and remote rural areas.

“However, we must commend the unrelenting efforts and strategic leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose office continues to coordinate robust national security reforms and his strategic approach is reshaping the nation’s security architecture through:
1 enhanced intelligence coordination
2 stronger collaboration among service chiefs
3 improved border surveillance
4 forest security reinforcement
5 Anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations
6 inter-agency cooperation
Particularly, the renewed focus on securing forest areas, which often serve as hideouts for criminal gangs, insurgents, and bandits, is a commendable and timely intervention approach taken by NSA”.

He further stated that” As the Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, I wish to assure Nigerians that the security institutions remain committed to restoring peace and stability across the federation.

The Commander General of NFSS therefore urged all Nigerians to continue to support the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Armed Forces, the Police, intelligence agencies, and all security institutions with credible information, cooperation, and patriotism.

“Security is a collective responsibility.
With the continued support of citizens, traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society, Nigeria shall overcome its present security challenges and our nation is stronger when we stand united for together, we shall secure Nigeria” Dr Joshua Osatimehin added