Ebonyi Govt  Engages  2,600 Persons Into Forestry Security Outfit

By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi government has confirmed the recruitment of 2, 600 youths into the State Command of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS).

Confirming this to newsmen in Abakaliki Sunday, the  Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jude Okpor said that the recruitment was a national programme and the government would support the state command of the outfit to key-into its national programmes.

“The 2,600 persons recruited in the state represent 200 persons per Local Government Area and we have 13 LGAs in Ebonyi.

“Most of the security challenges in the country stems from the occupation of the forests by criminals.

“The criminals launch attacks on innocent persons from the forests and we want to rid our forests of criminals.”

He noted that the recruitment was in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with state governors over insecurity.

“The forestry security outfit is a component of the state police which was discussed at the meeting”.

The Ebonyi Commander of the NHFSS, Mr Larry Igwe had earlier in a statement, said the recruitment was to enhance security capacity in the fight against criminality emanating from the forests.

“The governor’s approval testifies the confidence in our abilities to curb insecurity, complementing the efforts of Police, Army and other sister agencies.

“The state command on behalf of of our Commander, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, thank Governor Francis Nwifuru for the kind gesture and pledge to curb forest- related crimes in the state.

“This gracious approval which is in tandem with the administration’s people’s charter of needs mantra, is heartwarming,” he said.