The World Institute for Peace, WIP, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the prolonged detention of the Commander-General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, Osatimehin Joshua Wole.
The appeal was made during a press conference held in Osogbo on Monday, where the organisation raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the detention.
Speaking at the briefing, WIP Executive Director, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, alleged that the situation was linked to actions within the Office of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
He expressed concern about the implications of the development.
Omotoyosi stated that the continued detention of the NFSS commander and some of his colleagues for about 15 days raises questions about adherence to due process.
He noted that the situation could discourage citizens from volunteering to support national security efforts across the country.
“The individuals have dedicated themselves, on a voluntary basis, to supporting security operations across Nigeria, especially in forest regions prone to banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
The organisation acknowledged efforts by President Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework, particularly the approval of the Forest Guard initiative in May 2025.
However, it stressed the need for fairness and transparency in handling matters concerning the NFSS and its leadership.
WIP described the NFSS as “a critical grassroots security structure with more than 70,000 volunteers nationwide, contributing to intelligence gathering and community protection.”
It added that the organisation has helped bridge the gap between local communities and formal security agencies, especially in remote areas.
The group urged the President to “direct the immediate release of the detained commander, warning that continued detention could erode public trust in security institutions.”
WIP also called for presidential assent to the NFSS Bill already passed by the National Assembly, noting that it would provide a legal framework to strengthen coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture.
