About the CG

The Commander General (CG) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) is Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Osatimehin.

He is the national head of the organization and plays a crucial role in its advocacy, operations, and strategic direction. Here are some key points about him and his role:

• Leadership and Advocacy: Dr. Osatimehin has been a tireless advocate for the NHFSS, particularly pushing for the presidential assent to the NHFSS Establishment Bill. He believes that the formal recognition and empowerment of the service, including the right to bear arms, are vital for effectively combating insecurity in Nigeria's forests and ungoverned spaces.

• Collaboration with Other Agencies: He consistently emphasizes the NHFSS's commitment to collaborating with other security agencies like the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance national security.

• Focus on Forest Security: His primary mandate is to protect forests from criminal elements, illegal logging, poaching, and other harmful activities. He views the NHFSS as a crucial complementary force to conventional security agencies, particularly in difficult-to-access forest areas.

• Training and Capacity Building: Under his leadership, the NHFSS has undertaken various training programs for its personnel to enhance their operational and leadership skills, often in collaboration with other security bodies like the NSCDC.

• Recognition and Titles: He has received recognition for his dedication to security, including a chieftaincy title, "Zanna Bara Pataskum" (King of the Forest), from the Emir of Potiskum.

• Organizational Evolution: He has also overseen the proposed change of the organization's name from Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) to Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), in line with the bill being tidied up by the National Assembly.