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In a bid to fortify security efforts, the Ebonyi Government has ratified the appointment of 2,600 youths to serve as forest sentinels, amplifying the state’s proactive stance against the escalating challenges of insecurity.
Shedding light on the matter, Mr. Jude Okpor, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in fostering informed communities.
Clarifying further, he noted that the recruited personnel would be integrated into the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), highlighting the synergy aimed at enhancing the state’s security architecture.
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“The 2,600 persons recruited in the state represent 200 persons per Local Government Area (LGA) and we have 13 GAS 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 get rid outr forest of criminal,” okpor said.
According to him, the recruitment is 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,” he noted.
At the same time, Mr. Larry Igwe, the NHFSS state Commander, greeted the recruitment with enthusiasm, noting its role in augmenting their operational readiness to confront criminal elements using forests as hideouts.
He added in a recent statement that the governor’s approval indicated confidence in their ability to curb insecurity by complementing the efforts of the Police, Army, and other sister agencies.
