The leader of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), in Abia State, Sunday Chukwudiegwu Mmeribe, has said that his members have cleared forests in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, of criminal elements.
Mmeribe, who spoke on his team’s operations, said his members relied on tip-offs from local farmers in ar resting drug dealers and other criminal elements hiding in forests in the state, adding that his members’ efforts contributed to the improved security witnessed in Umuahia.
He further said that they usually obtained valuable information from traditional rulers and also collaborat ed with security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to him, “Since 2016, the forest guards have been arresting kidnappers, child trafficking syndi cates, and other criminal elements, promptly handing the suspects over to the appropriate security agencies within 24 hours.”
He also disclosed that the Ikpa forest, located between Ubaha and Umuezeoma in the Oriendu Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia North LGA, has been significantly sanitized of criminals, pointing out that farmers, particularly women, were harassed or assaulted in the past by criminals, which scared villagers from going to their farms.
Mmeribe, who praised Governor Alex Otti’s efforts in tackling criminal activities in forests and other localities in Abia, appealed to his administra tion for functional vehicles and other resources to enhance their operations, lamenting the lack of support.
