By Kayode Abdul
The Nigerian Forest Security Services (NFSS) has called on the Kwara state government to support the organization in its efforts to safeguard ‘ungoverned’ forested areas across the state.
The call was made by Kwara State Commander of the NFSS, Oyewole Nasirudeen at the Security Summit held in Ilorin today, Saturday.
Delivering his opening address, Nasirudeen gave a historic background of the organization, saying they started in 2016 as a registered grassroots local community intelligence-based body, known as ‘Hunter Group of Nigeria’ before it was later in 2025 renamed Nigerian Forest Security Services (NFSS) through the necessary legislative arms and clearly saddled to be responsible for all forestry and it is related activities.
“We are backed by law with Bill No. 2925/NFSS Establishment bill 2025 passed by the National Assembly under sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) while Osatimehin Wole Joshua (PhD) as the Commander General.
“The NFSS Kwara Command has not been lucky to be amongst the security bodies that benefit from security supportive efforts of the present administration in the state.
Kwara State Commander of the NFSS, Oyewole Nasirudeen
“We are aware of how His Excellency took the issues of insecurity seriously and on this note we want to be part of the success story of curbing the menace in our forest. We have our supportive ideas and way forward as Foresters to share with His Excellency.
“Foresters know every route and corner/porous of their communities because we are born and bred in the same environment sir, give us your support and attention to compliment your good work of making Kwara a peaceful state,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, represented by ACP Onyeabo Oseloka, spoke on ‘inter-agency collaboration.
He said every security architecture has a role to play in finding solution to insecurity.
“Everyone has a role to play in curbing insecurity at this critical period in our country. Always seek knowledge in the area of your establishment ACT and know the role you are expected to play, knowing this would go a long way in guiding you from unnecessary conflict with your sister security agencies.
“Knowledge and regular training are very important in discharging your responsibilities and this should be a continuous process. You must be result-oriented not competing with your sister agencies.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, we welcome you into the security architecture and look forward to a robust relationship,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Commander General of the Services, North Central, Abdulhakeem Ibrahim commended the sister security agencies for their active participation in the Summit and appealed for the support of the state government.
NFSS personnel at the event
“This Summit is not just timely, but a call for action in our engagements internally within the security structure of the State in combating the forested menace which has resulted in many losses of lives and properties.
“We have a Command unit in all the 16 LGAs in the state with over 3,210 personnel. We appeal for support of the Kwara State government, our operatives are gallantly ready to make a meaningful contribution to end the menace of insecurity in the state.
“In the forest, we are the police, DSS, Customs, NSCDC, we are to make the arrest in the forest and hand over the suspect to the appropriate agency in town.
“We have been trained by the senior security agencies and are ready to discharge our responsibilities appropriately to make sure that we have a crime-free country. We are here to compliment the existing security agencies, The Police is our parent body and we are ready to work in line with that and with all other agencies, and stakeholders,” he stated.
Traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the event
The state government was represented at the summit by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Adebukola Babalola with attendance by the representatives of the Customs, KWARTMA, NOA, Man O’ War, Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders across the state.
