Tinubu to Integrate Forest Hunters into National Security — Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is prepared to formally incorporate local hunters into Nigeria’s national security framework, particularly for protecting forested regions.

Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Commandant General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Joshua Osatimehin, to his palace in Ile-Ife, the monarch emphasized that President Tinubu has expressed strong support for the full engagement of forest guards in the country’s security architecture.

Oba Ogunwusi called on members of the NFSS to maintain integrity and professionalism when eventually deployed to oversee Nigeria’s forest zones. He also pledged support from traditional rulers and local leaders to ensure the group’s success.

“I appreciate President Tinubu and the National Assembly for recognizing the critical role of forest security. Just under two weeks ago, I met with the President, and we discussed forest-related security challenges. He assured me of plans to integrate forest hunters into the national security system,” the monarch stated.

“He’s committed to this initiative and understands that addressing forest insecurity is key to achieving peace and progress across the country.”

The traditional ruler also stressed the importance of cooperation among royal institutions, political leaders, and security agencies to tackle insecurity holistically.

Earlier, Osatimehin, accompanied by NFSS commanders from all six South-West states and several operatives, thanked the Ooni for his longstanding support since the group’s formation in 2016. He noted that the visit aimed to enlist the backing of traditional institutions in actualizing the President’s plans to make NFSS the foundation of the country’s proposed Forest Security Guards.

He commended Lagos and Oyo State Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Makinde, for deploying NFSS operatives to enhance rural security, and acknowledged Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for similar collaboration.

“With support from the federal government, our operatives—present in all 774 local government areas—can safeguard forest zones and prevent criminal infiltration,” Osatimehin assured.

The NFSS, initially formed as a voluntary network of hunters, has evolved into a structured security outfit following a recent Senate-backed bill establishing it formally. It is expected to become a key component of Nigeria’s expanded forest security strategy.