Abuja: The Commander-General of Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr Joshua Osatimehin, has hailed Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for the recruitment of 2,000 operatives for the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS).
Osatimehi made a commendation while speaking with reporters in Abuja on Sunday following his recent operational visit to the state.
He said the activities of the forest security operatives in Bauchi had been enhanced by Gov. Bala Mohammed’s immense support for the service.
According to him, the governor spent almost N150 million a few years ago on purchasing arms and ammunition to support the organisation.
“The crime and criminality in the Bauchi state over the years have reduced to almost zero level. Today, the Bauchi state remains one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria.
“It is evidence of his contribution and commitment to internal security and, by extension, national security.
“He has given us modern-day security infrastructure to meet with the test of time for us to tackle crimes and criminality,” he said.
Osatimehi appealed to other northern state governors to emulate Bauchi so that they could address the prevailing security challenges in the Northeast, North-West, and North Central.
He urged them to work with the NFSS command structures in their various states and incorporate them into state security services to tackle crimes and criminality effectively.
On his part, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr John Metchie, commended the activities of the forest security operatives in Bauchi for their gallantry in combating criminality in the state.
Metchie urged Nigerians to stop the stereotype against Fulani as being violent, adding that foreign herders found their way into the country as a result of porous borders.
In his remarks, the Assistant Commander-General of NFSS (Operation), Umar Aliu, said the government had continued to support the service by paying the monthly salaries of over 800 operatives.
Aliu said the state government also has an insurance policy for the operatives in the event of fatality during operations, adding that the government has N5 million for the family of any operatives killed in an operation.
He said the governor had approved the recruitment of 2,000 fresh operatives, vehicles, motorcycles, and allowances to enhance their operation.
