The Commander-General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr Joshua Osatimehin, has commended Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for recruiting 2,000 operatives into the service.
Dr Osatimehin gave the commendation while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, following his recent operational visit to the state.
He said the activities of forest security operatives in Bauchi had been significantly enhanced through the immense support provided by Governor Bala Mohammed.
According to him, a few years ago, the governor allocated nearly ₦150 million for the purchase of arms and ammunition to support the organisation.
“I believe crime and criminality in Bauchi State have, over the years, reduced to almost zero level.
“Today, Bauchi remains one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria.
“It is a testament to his contribution and commitment to internal security and, by extension, national security.
“He has truly provided us with modern-day security infrastructure, capable of meeting contemporary challenges in the fight against crime and criminality,” he said.
Dr Osatimehin appealed to other northern state governors to emulate Bauchi’s example in addressing prevailing security challenges across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
He urged them to collaborate with the NFSS command structures in their respective states and integrate them into the state security framework to effectively combat crime.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr John Metchie, commended the gallantry of forest security operatives in Bauchi in combating criminality.
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Dr Metchie urged Nigerians to stop stereotyping the Fulani as inherently violent, noting that many foreign herdsmen had entered the country through porous borders.
In his remarks, the Assistant Commander-General of NFSS (Operations), Umar Aliu, said the Bauchi State Government had continued to support the service by paying the monthly salaries of over 800 operatives.
Aliu noted that the state government also has an insurance policy in place for operatives, offering ₦5 million to the family of any operative killed in the line of duty.
