Sign NFSS Bill Into Law Now, Security Experts Tell Tinubu

Security experts have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Bill into law as part of efforts to tackle the country’s escalating security challenges.

They made the call in Abuja while reacting to President Tinubu’s recent directive on measures aimed at addressing the national security concerns confronting Nigeria.

Retired Major General Abdullahi Sule said the appeal became necessary to ensure adequate protection of the nation’s forested areas. He noted that many forests bordering the country remain highly porous, stressing the need to deploy NFSS personnel, who have received extensive training from both local and foreign security agencies in intelligence gathering and security operations, particularly at the grassroots.

Similarly, Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police James Babalola described the NFSS as a strategic and efficient organisation that has, over the years, undergone professional training to complement existing security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s current security realities.

Babalola applauded President Tinubu’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIPs and the recruitment of 30,000 police officers and additional armed forces personnel. He added that granting constitutional recognition to the NFSS would further strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

In his remarks, Security Strategist Ambassador Kingsley Uche said signing the NFSS Bill into law would significantly advance the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in achieving improved security for all citizens. According to him, the move would also enhance the efficiency of Forest Guards deployed to protect the nation’s vast forest regions.

The Commander-General of the NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, commended President Tinubu, the Service Chiefs, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for the successes recorded in rescuing 38 worshippers in Ekuru, Kwara State, and 24 students of a girls’ school in Kebbi State.

Dr. Osatimehin reaffirmed the NFSS’s commitment to supporting the Tinubu administration in its efforts to overcome the country’s security challenges. He also appealed to the President to assent to the NFSS Bill to further enhance the Service’s capacity to combat banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.