RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has called for collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in strengthening the fight against corruption and financial crimes across the country.
The request was made on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the NFSS Commander-General, Adewole Joshua Osatimehin, and his management team to the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Osatimehin commended the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership for its efforts in tackling corruption, particularly in prosecuting high-profile individuals.
“We are here today after considering your vision for this organisation. Since you took over, high-profile individuals who thought they were untouchable were brought to book, and Nigeria is feeling the impact. We want to be part of your success story,” he said.
He noted that the NFSS has an extensive grassroots network that could support the EFCC in intelligence gathering, especially in remote areas.
“We have members in all villages and wards, with intelligence officers across the country. While we track bandits and other criminal elements, the EFCC can monitor financial flows to ensure their arrest,” he added.
Osatimehin also appealed for capacity building for NFSS personnel, particularly in investigative processes, to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Highlighting the importance of forest security, he pointed out that Nigeria’s vast forest reserves require urgent protection, noting that a significant portion of the country’s landmass is forested and vulnerable to criminal activities.
Responding, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed the proposed collaboration, stressing the importance of synergy among security and enforcement agencies.
“Everybody must be involved in ensuring security in Nigeria. Provided they can offer value, we can work together. There is a clear need for synergy with forest security operatives,” he said.
He expressed concern that forests across the country have become safe havens for bandits and illegal miners, noting that many crimes are planned and executed from such locations.
“Our forests are increasingly occupied by criminal elements. Illegal mining, which falls within our mandate, is often carried out in these areas, and we have made several arrests. This challenge requires collective action,” he said.
Olukoyede assured the NFSS of the Commission’s readiness to partner with organisations whose mandates align with its anti-corruption drive and approved the request for training of NFSS personnel in investigation.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve efforts to combat financial crimes linked to criminal activities in forested regions across Nigeria.
