The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Zonal Headquarters Zone 4, and Hensard University, Toru-Orua, have taken a significant step towards establishing a structured security and academic partnership following an official visit by a delegation from the agency to the university campus.
Leading the delegation, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Ambakederemo Kerekere stated that the visit aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation, foster mutual understanding, and build a sustainable security partnership between NFSS Zone 4 and the institution.
Speaking at the university, ACG Kerekere explained that the NFSS remains 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 core operational priorities, which include intelligence gathering, forest surveillance, community engagement, and close collaboration with other security agencies to combat threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, illegal mining, illegal logging, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and sea piracy.
He further noted that Hensard University, located within the Niger Delta, requires a robust and coordinated security architecture to protect its students, staff, infrastructure, and surrounding communities.
The proposed areas of collaboration encompass:
- Enhanced security and surveillance: Including forest and perimeter monitoring, intelligence sharing, and early-warning mechanisms.
- Capacity building and training: Joint security training programmes, research, and academic partnerships.
- Student development: 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 going “beyond protocol”, adding that it demonstrated the service’s determination to build a meaningful relationship with the university to foster the security, educational, and socio-economic development of Toru-Orua and the wider Niger Delta region.
During the meeting, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Dr Zubair Islam, demonstrated a software application he developed to enhance forest and environmental security. According to the university, the application is expected to assist the NFSS in executing its operational duties more efficiently.
Receiving the delegation earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudakhar Kota, commended the security agency for the initiative and encouraged both organisations to ensure the partnership remains long-lasting, particularly through practical training for the university’s students.
If fully implemented, the partnership is expected to bolster security around the institution whilst equipping students with valuable practical exposure in environmental and security-related fields.
