The Deputy Commander General (DCG) on Bureau – planning, policy and strategy for the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) prof Edwin Opara has revealed the readiness of the new Security outfit to eliminate the raising challenge of insecurity in Nigeria which involves terrorism, kidnapping and criminalities.
Speaking to critical Stakeholders in owerri Imo State over the weekend, assured that the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) is the missing link in Nigeria Security system hence it’s emergence remains the solution to the challenges of insecurity that confronts our nation on daily basis. He pointed out that the uniqueness of the Nigeria Forest Security Service is such that it has the capacity to match the insecurity challenges and deliver good news to international community as well as empowerment to many youths in Nigeria.
According to DCG – prof Edwin Opara he said, ” Forest is a full property with wide animal’s, timbers, live stocks and natural resources. Hence, it needs protection. In fact, it is the porosity of the forest in Nigeria that promotes the insecurity such as terrorism, kidnapping, insurgency among others. In deed, the NFSS is committed in positioning her officers in strategic locations to ensure prohibition and restrictions of any criminal activities in Nigeria forest’s across the 774 local government areas of the nation”.
In another development, DCG – prof Edwin Opara highlighted that the Nigeria Forest Security Service is similar to American Forest Law Enforcement Agency, which is obvious to be a result oriented Security agency if allowed to be implemented in Nigeria particularly in this insecurity challenge era. Again, DCG – prof Opara said, ” The Nigeria Forest Security Service have program that direct, checkmate and protect the forest’s areas. Hence, plan, enforce law against trespass and the flow of criminal operations in the forest’s. We conduct patrol and arrest those involved in crime. Detained suspects are proceed to prosecution through criminal court not high court. Also, we research and analyze information, determine actions taken and document cases. Formalize reports and recommendations. We have classified units and departments of trained personnel”.
Furthermore, DCG – prof Edwin Opara maintained that the Nigeria Forest Security Service provides written feedback regarding federal, state and local cases. Also provide technical input on law enforcement activities. And conduct full investigation on minor crimes and offenses of regulatory and federal crimes law affecting Lands, agriculture, boarders, natural resources among others. Adding that the signing of the Nigeria Forest Security Service into law by Mr. President Ahmed Tinubu will also guarantee employment to Nigeria youths and rapidly arrest all criminalities ongoing in Nigeria forest’s areas.
” poverty is the home of criminalities. When youths are engaged or employed, crime rates will reduce. This is obvious because time is money hence no one will like to waste it. Once you are paid, you don’t have the sense of evil. It is possible to protect our forest’s as it is in America. It is also possible to end insecurity and change the narrative for the good of all Nigerians ” – prof Edwin Opara said.
It was gathered that DCG – prof Edwin Opara was the former head of department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland U.S. A., and worked in effective partnership with the American Law Enforcement Agency for over twenty years. No doubt, his wealth of experience and with other senior officers currently in the Nigeria Forest Security Service, will significantly help to reposition the Nigeria security effectiveness.
