Nigerian Senate calls on president Tinubu to sign forest security bill

The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 for curbing of increasing incidences of kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities, particularly in forested areas across the country.

Senate’s call for assent to the bill , followed adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi representing Kogi West during plenary in Abuja.

The motion was in the wake of abduction of a traditional ruler in his constituency, the Obalohun of Okoloke, James Ogunyanda.

He told his colleagues that the monarch was reportedly kidnapped on the night of 15 May by armed assailants who stormed his palace, firing sporadically before whisking him away to an undisclosed location.

Senator karimi expressed concern over the lack of official updates from security agencies regarding the incident.

He however confirmed that local vigilante groups and residents have launched a search operation in the surrounding forests to locate the monarch and secure his release.

The lawmaker urged the Senate to call on the federal government to direct all relevant security agencies to prioritise the rescue of the abducted monarch and restore peace in the affected community.

He also used the opportunity to spotlight the Nigerian Forest Security Service Bill, recently passed by the National Assembly, which seeks to establish a specialised security outfit tasked with protecting the nation’s forests which are now considered hotspots for criminal hideouts and illegal activities.

He emphasised that the bill aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of deploying Forest Guards nationwide, following his directive to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to initiate the creation of such a force.

“This Bill can be brought back to accommodate Mr. President’s line of thought, regarding the setting up of the proposed Forest Guard,” he said.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, said the abduction of the Kogi traditional ruler was disheartening.

Following deliberations, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the motion to a vote, which was overwhelmingly supported by senators.