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By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA — In a strategic move to reclaim Nigeria’s sprawling forest reserves from the grip of insurgents and kidnappers, the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) officially inaugurated a specialized Counter-Terrorism Unit on Saturday.
The launch, held in the Federal Capital Territory, marks a significant shift in the nation’s internal security architecture, specifically targeting the "blind spots" within rural forests that have long served as operational bases for bandits and terror groups.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Commander-General of the NFSS, Joshua Osatimehin, emphasized that the new unit is designed to function as a grassroots intelligence hub. By expanding operations across all 36 states and the 774 Local Government Areas, the NFSS aims to provide real-time data to conventional forces.
“In security operations, synergy is key. We must support and complement existing agencies whose roles are central to national stability,” Osatimehin stated.
He urged the newly minted personnel to view the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, and the Civil Defence (NSCDC) as indispensable partners rather than rivals.
The newly appointed Commander of the Counter-Terrorism Department, Innocent Solomon, described the unit's mandate as a proactive shield for critical infrastructure and rural dwellers. The department is tasked with identifying and neutralizing threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks on communities.
Solomon highlighted that the unit would leverage modern technology and international partnerships to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.
“In the face of evolving threats, no single agency can succeed alone. It is only through collaboration, coordination, and cooperation that we can effectively respond,” Solomon added, pledging a high standard of professionalism and ethics in the field.
Despite their growing role in national safety, the NFSS continues to face significant logistical hurdles. The Director of Operations, Muhammad Abdullahi, utilized the ceremony to advocate for greater federal recognition and improved equipment for personnel who often operate in the most treacherous terrains under challenging conditions.
Abdullahi noted that the NFSS has been instrumental in curbing criminality in forest communities through consistent intelligence sharing. He made a passionate plea to local residents to support the service with timely information, stressing that community trust is the ultimate weapon against banditry.
The event was well-attended by high-ranking representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC, signaling a growing consensus on the need for "forest-specific" security expertise.
As Nigeria navigates complex security challenges in 2026, the inauguration of this specialized unit represents a localized, intelligence-driven approach to ensuring that no inch of the country's territory remains a safe haven for criminals.