BY OSITA BIOSE
FOR many years, Forest Grove Guards played a vital role in protecting Delta State’s vast forest reserves from illegal activities such as wood felling and wildlife poaching. However, the sophistication of crime in recent times has necessitated a paradigm shift in protecting forest security. The Special Escort (SE) men, now part of the National Forest Security Service (NFSS), have been equipped with advanced training and equipment to tackle the complex security challenges facing our forests in Nigeria.
The SE men are highly trained personnel with expertise in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and combat tactics. They are equipped to address the security challenges that have plagued our forests for years, including rituals, robberies, banditry, and kidnapping. By strategically deploying the SE men across our forests, we can deter criminal activities, gather intelligence and enhance community security.
Forests in Delta State are crucial for the preservation of the ecosystem and economy of the state through the provision of habitats for diverse wildlife and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The NFSS works closely with other security agencies to achieve its objectives, leveraging local knowledge and community engagement to gather intelligence and respond to security breaches. Therefore the Delta State Government should waste no time to key into their programmes and activities in curbing the waves of insecurity in the state.
The men on ground in the state, led by Jonathan Obokohwemu, Delta State Commander; Ebube Nwanne Jegbefume, DOF Administration; Ese Orji, DCF; and Odili Amechi Og, Squad Commander, are fully determined to rid Delta’s forests of criminality and restore a safe environment. They are committed to protecting the natural resources, safety of lives in the bush and ensuring the security of local communities.
The recent role and cooperation with the Delta State Police Command under the leadership of CP. Olufemi Abaniwonda by the NFSS is a clear testament to what Delta State will continue to enjoy and benefit from the organization. This successful collaboration has demonstrated the potential for enhanced security and development in the state.
Happily, the Governor Oborevwori Administration has continued to prioritize the security of lives and property of residents and Deltans in the state by creating a conducive environment for forest security. With an additional commitment to supporting the NFSS with the needed logistics and favorable operational ambience in Delta State, Governor Oborevwori could contribute to a more secured and prosperous future for the state.
The NFSS offers several other advantages, including community engagement, intelligence gathering and environmental conservation, which are crucial for protecting the natural resources and promoting security of lives in the state.
The NFSS is currently undergoing a massive recruitment drive, with approximately 130,000 personnel being recruited nationwide. Each state, including Delta State, will have between 3,000 and 5,000 personnel added to its employ, depending on the capacity of the respective states. This recruitment drive will not only enhance forest security, but would also provide employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
The recruitment drive will significantly address the unemployment scourge in Delta State, if given the enabling environment and logistical support to turn around the unfortunate security situation in the state. With more employed personnel in forest security, Delta State would expect a boost in agricultural productivity and enhanced food security in the state, as more farmer would subsequently take to farming without harbouring the fear of being kidnapped or killed while in the forest, farming.
As a reminder, a secured forest ecosystem will have numerous benefits, including enhanced biodiversity conservation, increased agricultural productivity, food security, job creation/ economic growth, reduced criminality, and preservation of natural resources.
In conclusion forest security in Delta State is a critical step towards protecting lives and the natural resources, not only in the state, but promoting national security. With the strategic advanced training and equipment of NFSS, it has been well-positioned to address the security challenges facing the Nigerian forests nationwide.
What is left is the encouragement and support from the federating states in Nigeria, the determination of the men on ground; the successful collaboration with the Delta State Police Command and the massive recruitment drive of the body will further enhance security and development in Delta State.
By supporting the NFSS, Governor Oborevwori would have contributed to a more secured and prosperous future for Delta State.
