By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Anambra Command, has bursted kidnappers’ den in Anam forest in Anambra-West Local Government Area of the state.
The Deputy Commander-General of NHFSS in charge of Technical Services, Dr. John Metchie, made this known while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Metchie said the operation which was carried out Friday, was led by two top commanders following an actionable intelligence.
He said the officers of the NHFSS traversed the deepest parts of the forest only to find an abandoned Toyota Sienna vehicle and weapons which includes a pistol, one AK47 rifle, locally fabricated guns, vehicle plate numbers, charms and other incriminating items.
He commended the officers and men of Anambra Command for the successful operation.
Metchie described hunters as a missing link in the nation’s security architecture, stressing that it was time the Nigerian government gave hunters their due recognition in the polity.
He also commended the Southeast Commander of NHFSS, ACG Mark Okonkwo for his commitments and dedications in ensuring that officers of the service execute their tasks diligently and professionally.
He also saluted the courage and intrepidity of the Commander-General, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, adding that the hunters were still on trail of the suspected kidnappers who abandoned the vehicle and other items found in the forest.
He said that the vehicle and items had been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further actions.
“NHFSS is a registered umbrella body of Hunters in Nigeria with the mandate to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to protect lives and properties in an ungoverned areas like forests and bushes.
“Its Bill for an enabling Act as a Federal Government Security Service to detect and prevent forest crime has been passed by both Senate and House of Representative and awaiting President’s assent.
“Our objectives are geared toward improving the quality and performance of men and officers of Hunter Council currently engaged in the protection of various public safety and security services within the communities.
“We have been trained by the police on managing security in the Forest, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA