The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Zonal Headquarters Zone 4, and Hensard University, Toru-Orua, have moved a step closer to a structured security and academic partnership following a courtesy visit by the agency’s delegation to the university.
Leading the delegation, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Ambakederemo Kerekere said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation, fostering mutual understanding and establishing a sustainable security partnership between NFSS Zone 4 and Hensard University.
Speaking at the university, ACG Kerekere explained that the NFSS was committed to supporting national security through the protection of forests, forest reserves, rural communities, critical infrastructure and other vulnerable environments.
He outlined the service’s operational focus as intelligence gathering, forest surveillance, community engagement and collaboration with other security agencies to counter threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, illegal mining, illegal logging, oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy.
He noted that Hensard University, situated within the Niger Delta environment, required a strong and coordinated security architecture to protect its students, staff, infrastructure and surrounding communities.
The proposed areas of collaboration include enhanced security and surveillance; protection of students and staff; forest and perimeter surveillance; intelligence sharing and early-warning mechanisms; security training and capacity building; research and academic partnerships; student internship and field-training opportunities; youth empowerment; and community-based security initiatives.
“Security is a collective responsibility. No single organisation can effectively address the complex security and environmental challenges confronting our communities without cooperation and information sharing,” ACG Kerekere said.
He described the visit as “beyond protocol”, adding that it demonstrated the service’s willingness to build a meaningful relationship with the university for the security, educational and socio-economic development of Toru-Orua and the wider Niger Delta region. During the engagement, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Dr Zubair Islam, demonstrated an application he had developed to enhance forest and environmental security.
The application, according to the university, is expected to assist the NFSS in carrying out its duties more effectively. Receiving the delegation earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudakhar Kota, commended the security agency for its initiative and encouraged both parties to ensure the collaboration becomes a sustained one, particularly through the training of the university’s students.
The partnership, if fully implemented, is expected to bolster security around the institution while providing students with valuable practical exposure in environmental and security-related fields. Media Relations/PRO6 Hensard University.
