By Abba Anwar
Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin's deep rooted interest and his good working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as widely manifested in the existing harmony between Executive and Legislature, played a critical role in Tinubu's assent to Nigeria Hunters Forest Security Service (NHFSS), into Law.
As officially made public by the official X account, of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, recently.
He reveals that, "President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of armed forest guards to secure Nigeria's 1,129 forests from terrorists and criminal gangs."
National Assembly fast tracked its passage, in accordance with all legislative stages with dispatch. This calls for commendation of the National Assembly for the patriotic legislative responsibility.
After the Bill passed all legislative stages, the NHFSS discussed within the top echelon, at the strategic meetings they held, as they came up with the conclusion that, looking at DSP Jibrin's special effort in the promotion of peace and security of North West, there was a critical need to pay him a courtesy call at his office. And intimate him about their demand seeking for President Tinubu's assent to the Bill.
During the visit, somewhere in March, when the Commander-General of the outfit, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, who led a powerful delegation of the Service, DSP Jibrin said "Nigeria urgently needs the services of NHFSS in its effort to rid the country of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other related crimes, usually perpetrated within our forests."
Being deeply disturbed by the insecurity taking place across the nation, he explained that, " We want appreciate you, your officers and men for what you are doing so far. The contribution you are making in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and related crimes, has helped the country a lot."
Knowing fully that, there cannot be development without peace and tranquility, the Deputy Senate President, promised that he would do his possible best to see to the Presidential assent of the Bill.
Appreciating that, " It is therefore easy to understand that signing of the Nigeria Hunters Forest Security Service Bill into Law will enable you to do more."
Not only that, he assured them that he would also see for the other things that would make the Service to work effectively and efficiently. As he relayed to the Commander-General and his men that, " It is important to have a fully funded and well equipped Service dedicated to manning the forests which would not allow criminals operate within them." A patriotic posture indeed.
Osatimehin made it very clear with the Deputy Senate President that, "NHFSS operatives had begun complimenting other security agencies, especially in intelligence gathering and sharing with security agencies as well as arrests and handover of criminals."
As President assented the Bill, Mr Dare reveals that, "The President directed that the forest guards be well-trained and armed to carry out their primary duty of flushing out terrorists and other criminals hiding in the forests for illegal activities. The recruitment is a collaborative security effort between the federal and state governments."
Adding that, "The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment have been tasked with overseeing and ensuring the full implementation of the initiative. Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed as personnel of the newly established outfit."
This demonstrates clearly, how concerned is President Tinubu about the security of our people, and that of our forests. With this Law, many hands would be on deck for finding a lasting solution to this lingering problem. Mostly affecting Northern Nigeria."
While the timely intervention of the Deputy Senate President in making sure that the Bill was assented by the President, it became a reality. As in less than two months between his promise of meeting the President, that was in March and the Presidential assent of the Bill into Law, in May, says a lot in DSP's commitment towards safer North and peaceful nation in general.
This workable working synergy between the duo, means a lot in national integration and enduring political leadership, between President Tinubu and Senator Jibrin. A very important and enthusiastic relationship.
Even at the global arena, Senator Jibrin's effort is recognized in that area. As the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates, Ambassador John Metchie, thanked him for pledging to ensure the passage of the NHFSS Bill into Law by President Tinubu. As he also commended the National Assembly for their effort.
For proper and effective implementation of NHFSS Law, even before it was passed into Law, the Service, recently organized some Training Sessions in Abuja, where the Commander - General, Mr Osatimehin, was reported to have said, "This training is aimed at strengthening the Agency's capacity to collaborate with other security outfits in tackling crimes, within forests areas."
According to an online newspaper, TheCable of 11th May, 2025, Mr Osatimehin said, "The Department of State Services (DSS), was there, the Military, the Police, have all come to offer their parenting experience to our officers. And I believe, we are graduating stronger, more confident and more strategic."
TheCable disclosed that, Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Mr Ajao Adewale, was there at the training programme. Who appreciated that no single agency could monopolize security operations. Adding that, " The training will promote inter - agency cooperation and enhance intelligence - led operations within the forest zones."
The Chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Muhammad Buba Marwa, was ably represented at the programme by the Deputy Director Operations and Investigation, Mr Kayode Raji.
At the occasion, the Commander - General sums it up when he said, "This will embolden our officers across the various commands to strategize with the relevant authorities, so that we can take the battle to the forests and these criminal elements."
Senator representing Kano North, His Excellency, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, without any fear of mincing words, clearly understands the dire need for peaceful Northern forests, to become centres of attraction for tourists and for the preservation of our natural environment.
Hence, his multiple efforts in making sure that the Nigeria Hunters Forests Security Service Bill had an appreciative legislative deliberations and fiat assent from Mr President. What exactly happened. We now have a fresh Law in place. Kudos Mr President! Viva DSP!! Adieu National Assembly!!!
Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
17th May, 2025
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