A Civil society organisation, World Institute for Peace (WIP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the alleged detention of the Commander-General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Mr. Osatimehin Joshua Wole, and other operatives.
The group made the call during a press conference held on May 4, 2026, at its headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State.
Addressing journalists, the Executive Director of WIP, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, expressed concern over what he described as the continued detention of the NFSS leadership for nearly 15 days, allegedly linked to actions by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He urged the President to direct the immediate release of the Commander-General, stating that the detained officials had been contributing voluntarily to security operations, particularly in forest areas affected by banditry and kidnapping.
Omotoyosi warned that prolonged detention of volunteer security operatives could discourage citizen participation in community-based security efforts and weaken public trust in security institutions.
He noted that the NFSS, with over 70,000 volunteers nationwide, has played a key role in bridging the gap between local communities and formal security agencies, especially in intelligence gathering and operations in difficult terrains.
The organisation also called for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest, urging relevant authorities to engage constructively with the NFSS leadership.
WIP further appealed to President Tinubu to grant assent to the NFSS Bill already passed by the National Assembly, stating that the move would provide a legal framework for the service and enhance coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture.
The group stressed that inclusive and community-driven security initiatives remain critical in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
It also called on the international community and development partners to take note of the situation and support efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots security and democratic accountability.
WIP warned that failure to release the NFSS Commander-General within 48 hours could lead to peaceful protests at the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa.
The organisation, however, reaffirmed confidence in the President’s leadership, expressing hope that timely intervention would promote justice, stability, and national unity.
