The Commander-General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, has praised Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the recruitment of 2,000 operatives for the Nigeria Forest Security Service.
Osatimehin gave the commendation while speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja following his recent operational visit to the state.
He said the activities of the forest security operatives in Bauchi had been significantly enhanced through the immense support given to the service by Governor Mohammed.
According to him, a few years ago, the governor allocated almost N150 million to purchase arms and ammunition to support the organisation.
“I believe crime and criminality in Bauchi State over the years have reduced to almost zero.
“Today, Bauchi remains one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria.
“This is evidence of his contribution and commitment to internal security and, by extension, to national security.
“He has really provided us with modern security infrastructure to meet the test of time in tackling crime and criminality,” the commander said
Osatimehin appealed to other Northern state governors to emulate Bauchi in addressing the prevailing security challenges in the North East, North West, and North Central regions.
He urged them to work with NFSS command structures in their states and incorporate them into state security services to effectively tackle crime and criminality.
Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), John Metchie, commended the forest security operatives in Bauchi for their gallantry in combating criminality.
Metchie urged Nigerians to stop stereotyping Fulani people as violent, adding that foreign herdsmen entered the country due to porous borders.
Assistant Commander-General of NFSS (Operations), Umar Aliu, said the government continued to support the service by paying monthly salaries to over 800 operatives.
Aliu added that the state government has an insurance policy for operatives in the event of fatalities during operations, with a N5 million compensation package for families of operatives killed in action.
He said the governor had approved the recruitment of a fresh 2,000 operatives, as well as the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, and allowances to enhance their operations.