John Metchie, deputy commander general (DCG) of Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give assent to the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill passed by the National Assembly.
Metchie said signing the bill into law would empower hunters in the fight against kidnapping in the country.
He made the call on Tuesday while reacting to the release of abducted persons in FCT. He commended the police authorities for the rescue of 58 victims of banditry and kidnap in FCT Command.
Last week, the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police said it rescued 58 kidnap victims held hostage at Udulu Forest in Gegu LGA of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State and other identified kidnappers’ dens in communities contiguous to the territory
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According to Josephine Adeh, FCT Police spokesperson, the rescue was a joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes and hunters from the various local communities.
Reacting to the development, Metchie said the primary responsibility of NHFSS was to curb crimes in Nigerian forests.
Metchie who is also the African director, of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, said that in recent times, reports from the police and other security agencies across the country indicate that hunters have become strategic partners in operations to rid the country of crimes, especially those carried out inside and within forests, especially by providing information and intelligence.
