By Tola Gbadamosi
The Ondo State Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Joseph Emmanuel Olugbenga, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to securing forests across the state through enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
Speaking in Akure, Olugbenga explained that the service, which has been operational since 2016, noting that the bill establishing it is awaiting presidential assent to formalise its legal status.
He noted that while the National Assembly passed the bill establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service, the Presidency later referred to it as the Nigerian Forest Guard. “Even though the President mentioned ‘Forest Guard,’ there is no such bill in the National Assembly.
It is still the same organisation. We believe that regardless of the name, we are one and working on the same mandate,” he clarified.
According to him, the NFSS is primarily responsible for securing Nigeria’s forests often used as hideouts by kidnappers and criminal elements and for supporting other security outfits such as the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Air Force, NDLEA, and the Amotekun Corps. “When people are kidnapped in towns or villages, their abductors usually move them into the forest. Our job is to ensure they have no peace there. We are the landlords of the forest,” he said.
Emmanuel disclosed that the command has recorded several successful rescue operations this year. He cited the rescue of the National President of Afenifere, who was kidnapped and held for over two weeks before being freed in Edo State through the service’s intervention.
He also mentioned the case of a medical doctor from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, who was abducted near his workplace and released unharmed after several days in captivity without the kidnappers collecting the ₦30 million ransom they demanded. “Even as we speak, our men are still in the forest following reports that a pregnant woman was kidnapped near Achievers University a few days ago,” Emmanuel said.
He added that the command has also foiled several attacks and exchanged gunfire with armed kidnappers in parts of Ikare and Oba-Akoko.
On the issue of arms, Emmanuel confirmed that the service operates with approved firearms and works closely with other agencies. “We are allowed to use our day guns. We have a strong working relationship with the Amotekun Corps, the Police, and other security outfits. We’ve handled several joint operations successfully,” he said.
Olugbenga emphasised that the NFSS has contributed significantly to restoring peace in forest areas, allowing farmers to return safely to their farmlands. “If not 100 percent, at least 85 to 90 percent of our forests are now calm. Farmers can work without fear,” he said.
He also revealed that the service works with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to combat illegal logging and the cultivation of banned substances such as Indian hemp. “We also collaborate with the NDLEA. Whenever we arrest anyone for drug cultivation or related offenses in the forest, we hand them over to the NDLEA for prosecution,” Emmanuel added.
Appointed as the fifth Ondo State Commander on December 21, 2024, Emmanuel explained that the NFSS operates multiple units, including a Waterways Department that partners with the Nigerian Navy to monitor criminal activities in rivers and creeks.
On recruitment, he confirmed that the service currently has over 1,500 trained operatives in Ondo State and plans to expand to 2,000 personnel once the establishment bill receives presidential assent. “We have been undergoing continuous training with the Police, NDLEA, Army, and Air Force. Once the final approval comes through, we will recruit more personnel and proceed with further training,” he said.
The commander reiterated the agency’s resolve to complement other security agencies in ensuring that Ondo State’s forests and by extension, its communities remain safe and secure.