National Assembly Passes Bill Establishing Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) By Padre-Pio Benjamin Akor

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Abuja — The National Assembly has passed the long-awaited Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Bill, a landmark legislation designed to transform Nigeria’s forest protection framework into a formal national security institution, now to be known as the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS).

The Bill, which awaits presidential assent, seeks to legalize and regulate the operations of forest-based security personnel across the country. It aims to curb rampant forest crimes, protect rural communities, and strengthen national security through coordinated forest surveillance and intelligence gathering.


Mission and Mandate

The NFSS will operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Environment, working in close coordination with agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Police Force.

The Immigration and Prisons Services Board established under the Immigration and Prisons Services Board Act 1986, as amended, shall be the Governing Board of the Service and shall, subject to this Bill, have general control of the Service.

Its core mandates include:

  • Combating illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment in forest reserves.
  • Providing protection to farmers and rural dwellers in forested areas.
  • Assisting in the arrest and prosecution of bandits and kidnappers operating within forests.
  • Partnering with environmental and security agencies to restore forest integrity across Nigeria.

Organizational and Rank Structure

While the Bill empowers the Service to “consist of such number of officers and other ranks as may from time to time be recruited,” it does not specify detailed ranks. However, sources within the Service confirm that the ranking structure will mirror that of the Nigeria Immigration Service — ensuring professionalism, hierarchy, and uniformity across security formations under the same federal board.

Proposed NFSS Rank Structure (Modeled After NIS)

1. Senior Command Ranks

  • Commander General (CG) — Head of the Service
  • Deputy Commander General (DCG)
  • Assistant Commandant General (ACG)
  • Chief Superintendent of Forest Security (CSFS)
  • Superintendent of Forest Security (SFS)


2. Intermediate Ranks

  • Deputy Superintendent of Forest Security (DSFS)
  • Assistant Superintendent of Forest Security I (ASFS I)
  • Assistant Superintendent of Forest Security II (ASFS II)
  • Inspector of Forest Security (IFS)


3. Junior Ranks

  • Senior Forest Marshal (SFM)
  • Forest Marshal (FM)
  • Assistant Forest Marshal (AFM)
  • Forest Guard / Patrol Officer (FG)

This structure mirrors the Immigration Service’s Command-to-Guard system, promoting discipline, chain of command, and clear lines of responsibility.


Leadership and Oversight

The Commander General (CG) will serve as the head of the Service, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, for a renewable four-year term. The CG will oversee zonal and state commands headed by Assistant Commandants General (ACGs) and State Commanders, respectively.

Each zone will coordinate forest protection activities, intelligence operations, and tactical patrols in partnership with state governments and traditional institutions.


Legal Powers and Operations

The Bill empowers NFSS operatives to arrest offenders, seize illegally harvested forest products, and collaborate with law enforcement for prosecution.

 It also authorizes the creation of an Armed Tactical Wing to operate in high-risk forest zones subject to federal regulation on firearms usage.

NFSS officers will work alongside local hunter networks and environmental task forces, transforming informal forest patrols into a nationally recognized, uniformed corps.


National Importance

The passage of the Bill is seen as a major stride in addressing Nigeria’s forest-linked insecurity, including banditry and rural kidnapping. Forests across the North West, North Central, and South West have become major hideouts for criminal elements, prompting the need for a specialized paramilitary service.

Environmental experts also hail the Bill for its potential to reinforce forest conservation efforts, reduce illegal deforestation, and promote sustainable land management.


Next Steps

Once assented to by the President, the NFSS will begin structured recruitment and training of officers at designated academies, similar to those of Immigration and Civil Defence.

 The Service will issue official uniforms, badges, and rank insignias, ensuring standardization across all states.


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