Nwachukwu Adah, the South–South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, has raised concerns over the growing threat of banditry in Rivers State, warning that the situation could escalate if urgent action is not taken. Speaking on The Morning Crossfire, Adah outlined the potential dangers posed by bandits across the state and proposed a series of countermeasures to address the issue.
He called on all local government areas (LGAs) to collaborate in strengthening security efforts and urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to act swiftly in tackling the threat. According to him, no part of the state is immune, as bandits frequently relocate at the slightest risk of exposure, often operating in large groups and, at times, disguising themselves as commercial motorcycle operators, commonly known as “Okada” riders. Adah noted that the activities of these groups have instilled fear among farmers, many of whom are now reluctant to return to their farmlands. He added that crimes committed within forested areas are often more severe than those reported in urban centres.
As part of his recommendations, he advised affected and neighbouring LGAs to establish dedicated forest security services. While acknowledging that some local government chairmen have initiated preventive measures within their communities, he expressed dissatisfaction with the overall response, describing it as insufficient given the scale of the threat. He further stated that he had urged LGAs to support forest security operations by recruiting men without requesting financial compensation. Citing an example, Adah alleged that the chairman of Eleme recruited over 100 personnel, but progress stalled following requests for uniforms.
Adah emphasised the need for stronger inter-governmental cooperation to effectively combat banditry and calls for improved monitoring of individuals entering the state, particularly those whose identities and intentions remain unclear.
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