Fighting Insecurity With Local Knowledge: Forest Guards Ready For The Challenge

The Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), Dr. John Mecthie, has asserted that his team is better positioned to combat insecurity across Nigeria. Mecthie highlighted that NHFSS personnel…CONTINUE READING…

have an intimate knowledge of the country’s forests, creeks, and swamps, making them uniquely qualified to tackle banditry and kidnapping.

In an interview on Monday in Abuja, Mecthie discussed the security outfit’s request for the transition from NHFSS to the Nigeria Forest Guards Services (NFGS). He emphasized the detrimental impact of banditry and kidnapping on the country’s reputation, noting that such crimes scare away foreign investors and result in significant financial losses.

“Each time individuals are abducted and taken into the wilderness, the country loses billions in foreign investments due to the negative perception created by insecurity,” Mecthie stated.

He explained that most crimes occur in remote areas such as forests, bushes, deserts, and swamps, which are difficult to patrol. Mecthie argued that NHFSS has the capacity to fill this security gap effectively.

The Deputy Commander-General called on the federal government to support the transition and empower the Forest Guards to enhance their productivity. He pointed out that NHFSS is structured with modern security strategies and is well-equipped to operate in challenging terrains that are often ungoverned and unmanned.

“Our officers are deeply familiar with these terrains and have the ability to infiltrate the most remote areas, which is essential to rooting out criminals from these regions,” Mecthie added. With the right federal backing and necessary resources, he believes the Forest Guards can effectively secure these difficult regions and combat criminal activities.