Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has announced its readiness to partner Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s government to tackle insecurity in Anambra State.
The initiative aims to comb the state’s forests, targeting areas where kidnappers and murderers have established camps.
The announcement followed a series of violent incidents, including the kidnap of an Anambra lawmaker, abduction of an Anglican clergyman, murder of a Catholic priest and killing of eight people in Chigbonu village, Umuike Ubahuekwem Ihiala on December 30, 2024.
The Anambra State commander of the NFSS, Destiny Jonas, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to leverage its expertise in securing the forests and bush areas for both economic and security reasons. Jonas highlighted the NFSS’s familiarity with the terrain which enhances their operational effectiveness.
The state commander expressed strong desire for collaboration with other security agencies to support the Operation Udo Ga Di Na Anambra Security Initiative aimed at clearing the hinterlands of criminal elements that threaten public safety. He stated that the NFSS is capable of gathering intelligence to neutralise any threats in the forests, emphasising the importance of cooperation from government agencies and official recognition of the NFSS.
Jonas voiced concern over the exodus of investors from Anambra State due to insecurity, while acknowledging the NFSS’s efforts in assisting police and other security personnel to ensure the safety of returning residents during the festive season. However, he stressed that more action was needed to reclaim Anambra’s forests from the grasp of armed criminals.
He noted that previously inaccessible remote areas, such as Achala, Igbariam and Nsugbe were secured thanks to the NFSS’s presence. The commander revealed that the NFSS has identified several hotspots across Anambra State, where it plans to launch a significant offensive against criminal activities beginning in January 2025. He stated that all that is needed now is authorization from the authorities to initiate these operations, highlighting the recent successful rescue of kidnap victims by NFSS operatives during the holiday season.
The NFSS aims to eradicate criminal activities like deforestation and kidnappings from Anambra’s forests, he said. Commander Jonas expressed deep gratitude to Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the NFSS, Amb. Dr. John Metchie, for his substantial support, describing him as an enigma. He praised Dr. Metchie’s dedication to the security and safety of Anambra citizens and his commitment to protecting lives and property across Nigeria. Jonas remarked that if more individuals like Dr. Metchie were present in Anambra State, the region would undoubtedly experience positive change.
He commended the efforts of the Commander-General of the NFSS, Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, for fostering unity and cohesion within the service.
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