IMO STATE LAUNCHES FOREST SECURITY SERVICE

 
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has advocated the use of digital technology to check criminal activities taking place in forests across the country.

He made the call in Owerri in a message to the inauguration of the State Command of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service.

Represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Governor noted that the use of modern equipment would not only help to fight crime but will also encourage the youth to join the Service, thereby reducing unemployment.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, Dr. Joshua Osetimehim, commended the Federal Government for confronting insecurity in the country, noting that the Service was ready to complement the efforts, especially in the forests where most of the criminals hide.

Dr. Osetimehim appealed to Governor Uzodimma and other notable Nigerians to prevail on President Buhari to assent to the bill establishing the Service, which is now before him, noting that the measure would reposition the service to make the bushes safe for farmers and enhance security.

He said some states had already incorporated the Forest Security Service into their security architecture and called on the Imo State Government to do the same to help reduce crime in the area.

The State Commandant of the Service, Dr. Fabian Iwuoha, assured the people of their readiness to discharge their duties with diligence, adding that discipline would be their watchword.

The event was attended by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Barde, his counterpart in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the State Correctional Service.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU