NFSS: THEIR ROOT

The origin of the Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS), also referred to as the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), is rooted in the recognition of a critical security gap within Nigeria's vast and often ungoverned forest areas.

Here's a breakdown of its evolution:

 * Community-Based Origins (Early 2010s): The NHFSS began as a voluntary, community-based organization. It essentially formalized and expanded upon the traditional role of local hunters who possessed intimate knowledge of the forests and had historically been involved in local security and intelligence gathering within their communities. This informal network of hunters recognized the increasing threat of criminal activities, such as banditry, kidnapping, and illegal logging, finding refuge in these ungoverned spaces.

 * Formalization and Registration: Over time, this loose association of hunters evolved and gained structure. It was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as the "Nigeria Hunter Council" and later transformed into the "Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS)." This gave the organization a legal and corporate identity, allowing it to seek greater recognition and support.

 * Addressing a Security Vacuum: The core motivation for its formation was the realization that Nigeria's vast forest reserves were largely unprotected by conventional security agencies, making them safe havens for criminals. The NHFSS stepped in to fill this void, leveraging its grassroots presence and familiarity with the terrain.

 * Collaboration with Established Security Agencies: From its inception, a key objective of the NHFSS has been to collaborate with existing security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others. They aimed to complement these agencies by providing crucial intelligence from the forests and actively participating in operations.

 * Legislative Efforts and National Recognition: The NHFSS has actively lobbied for legal recognition and integration into Nigeria's national security architecture. A significant milestone was the passage of the NHFSS Bill by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in 2022, aimed at establishing it as a federal government security service. This bill, currently awaiting presidential assent, would officially empower the NHFSS with a clearer mandate, structure, and potentially, the right to bear arms.

 * Presidential Approval for National Forest Guard: Most recently, President Bola Tinubu's approval for the establishment of a national forest guard system and the recruitment of over 130,000 armed operatives signifies a major step towards formalizing and empowering forest security in Nigeria. While not explicitly named as the NHFSS, this initiative aligns perfectly with the NHFSS's objectives and is seen as an opportunity for it to transition into a nationally recognized and armed forest guard.

In essence, the NHFSS originated from a grassroots effort by local hunters to protect their communities and natural resources, and it has gradually gained recognition and structure as Nigeria grapples with escalating insecurity in its forests.