By Amah A. Amah, Editor-in-Chief, African Writers’ Centre (AWC)

Nigeria’s need for Forest Guards through the transition of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) into the Nigeria Forest Guards Service (NFGS) cannot be overlooked. Amb. Dr. Johnny Metchie, Deputy Commandant-General of Intelligence for the NHFSS, strongly advocates for this transition, asserting that it will significantly address the threats posed by kidnappers, bandits, separatists, and other criminals exploiting Nigeria’s vast ungoverned territories.

These regions, often forests and remote terrains, have become a refuge for criminal elements, undermining Nigeria’s security and economic progress.

Dr. Metchie highlighted the economic impact of these unguarded areas, noting that each kidnapping incident not only results in human suffering but also tarnishes Nigeria’s image, deterring foreign investment and costing the nation billions in lost opportunities. He expressed concern that security gaps have led many businesses to exit Nigeria, further harming the economy.

Acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster security, including discussions around new security agencies, Metchie voiced surprise at recent comments from Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). Audi suggested funding for new agencies should instead support the NSCDC’s budget, a view Metchie criticized as narrow-sighted given the extent of the nation’s security challenges. Citing a recent exchange at a National Assembly hearing, Metchie pointed to the public consensus on the NSCDC’s limited success in securing remote areas and argued for additional support to manage the growing insecurity.

Amb. Metchie urged the NSCDC leadership to prioritize national security over personal interests and endorse a strategy that increases manpower and resources to secure ungoverned territories. According to Metchie, the NHFSS’s transition into the NFGS is critical to covering the expansive and rugged terrains across Nigeria, including forests, deserts, and swamps, where NHFSS personnel already have extensive experience.

He elaborated on the NHFSS’s structure, which is built to operate at the grassroots level, making use of personnel with in-depth knowledge of challenging terrains. These officers, trained in both modern security practices and traditional survival skills, stand ready to combat crimes and safeguard these remote areas with federal backing. The proposed NFGS would enhance Nigeria’s ability to secure all national territories, preventing criminals from exploiting these areas as safe havens.

Further, Metchie underscored the economic advantages of establishing the NFGS. Once formalized, the NFGS would curb illegal resource exploitation in forests and creeks, currently costing Nigeria billions annually. By securing these areas, the government could boost employment in local communities and support legitimate economic activities, thereby expanding its revenue base.

Dr. Metchie praised the NHFSS’s collaborations with agencies like the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, and the NSCDC. He assured that the NFGS would complement rather than compete with existing security agencies, leveraging shared intelligence and coordinated operations to address crimes in Nigeria’s most inaccessible regions.

Closing his remarks, Metchie expressed confidence that with legislative support, the NHFSS could evolve into a national security agency with the mandate to secure Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, tackling criminal activities, and reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty. He assured that this transition would have widespread economic benefits, reducing crime rates, protecting vital resources, and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria’s economy.

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