Ooni of Ife Commends Tinubu’s Forest Guard Security Initiative, Urges Legislative Support
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed forest guard security structure, describing the initiative as timely, strategic, and essential in addressing the country’s growing security challenges, particularly in rural and forested areas.
Speaking at his palace in Ile‑Ife during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), the Ooni praised the organization for its consistent collaboration with conventional security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He noted that the NHFSS has become instrumental in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and neutralizing threats in areas often neglected by the mainstream security apparatus.
“All well‑meaning Nigerians can attest to how officers and men of the NHFSS are providing vital intelligence in our forests and rural areas, working side by side with the police, the military and other security agencies.
“They are helping in identifying criminal hideouts and ensuring that dangerous elements do not find refuge in our communities,” the monarch said.
Oba Ogunwusi commended President Tinubu’s administration for recognizing the importance of forest-based security units in combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, which have plagued Nigeria in recent years.
He emphasized the need for swift legislative backing of the NHFSS through the passage of its Establishment Bill currently before the National Assembly, noting that the service cannot operate at full capacity without a legal mandate.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of community-rooted security structures. The hunters and forest security officers understand the terrain. They live in these communities. They can identify strangers. They have traditional knowledge that is invaluable in modern security operations,” the monarch stated.
The Ooni also pledged to rally other traditional rulers across the country to support the proposed forest guard initiative, adding that royal institutions remain vital partners in the country’s fight against insecurity. He affirmed his commitment to mobilizing public opinion and traditional influence to support the full institutionalization of the NHFSS.
During the visit, NHFSS leadership informed the Ooni of ongoing efforts to standardize their operations, including joint training programs with the police, military, and other federal agencies.
They emphasized that once granted official recognition, the service would significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to protect its forests and rural communities.
The proposed forest guard structure is part of a broader plan by the Tinubu administration to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s security framework. The initiative, which seeks to integrate traditional hunting communities into a formal, legally-backed security force, has been welcomed by various stakeholders as a potentially transformative solution to the country’s persistent insecurity in remote areas.
Oba Ogunwusi concluded by urging the federal government to expedite the necessary legal processes and provide the NHFSS with adequate funding, equipment, and training to function effectively nationwide.
He called on all Nigerians to support the move, stating that a safer Nigeria is a shared responsibility.
