Akwa Ibom Enlists Forest Guards For Environmental Protection, Others

Worried by security challenges including illegal mining, dredging leading to environmental degradation and pollution, the Akwa Ibom State government said plans were afoot to engage the services of forest guards to curb the menace.

The commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon Nsikak Ekong, disclosed the partnership when the delegation of the Nigerian Forest Reserves Security Service (NFRSS), Ikot Ekpene Area Command, paid him a courtesy visit. He explained that the synergy would enable the state achieve its goal of fighting crime , insecurity and the protection of forest reserves.

The commissioner, therefore, pledged to provide the necessary support and conducive environment for them to operate in the state.

He applauded President Bola Tinubu, for establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service in all states of the federation, noting that “this will strengthen the security network of government at all levels and eliminate crime and insecurity.”

Ekong, who explained that the mandate of the ministry has to do with superintending over the Forest Reserves of the State, also stressed that the administration of Gov Umo Eno, “remains resolute in afforestation, the planting of trees and economic trees to enable citizens benefit from its value chain.”

The commissioner, therefore, charged the Command to “be innovative, diplomatic and exhaustive in implementing its programmes in line with the core mandate, calling on them to partner with the ministry by stopping people from cutting down trees and other resources which the forests harbour.

“Keeping the Forest saved is about stopping people from felling trees which provides shade and other economic impact.We are ready to support you and will do everything within our capacity to make you succeed,” he assured.

According to him, the President of Nigeria has selected Akwa Ibom State as one of the states for the federal government’s afforestation project, which is expected to undertake the planting of trees in 20 hectares wetland and 10 hectares dry land, and urged the Command to protect the project when finally implemented.

The team leader, Chief Superintendent Isaac Emmanuel Akpan, said the Command was in the ministry to seek collaboration and support, recalling that the department was established by the Federal Government in 2025, assuring that they were committed to fulfilling its functions and goals which anchors on the protection of lives and property.