As the Federal Government deploys 1000 forest guards to Oyo State to combat insecurity and potentially rescue kidnapped school pupils and teachers, reports indicate that two patrol vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) are lying idle at Mile 2, Lagos. These vehicles, intended for forest protection, are allegedly being used for unrelated activities, undermining public trust and compromising essential services.
Misuse of Government Assets
Recent findings reveal that the two NFSS patrol vehicles have been operating under the control of individuals suspected to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Mile 2, far from their designated forest enforcement locations. According to sources, the vehicles have been stationed in the area for over six months.
Questions on Compliance and Oversight
This development raises serious questions about compliance with asset-use regulations, supervisory oversight, and the potential neglect of critical forestry duties. At a time when the South West region is battling insecurity in its forests, the misallocation of these vehicles is particularly concerning.
Current Deployment
One patrol vehicle is permanently parked at the entrance of the road leading to the Lagos Ferry Terminal in Mile 2, while the other is occasionally parked in front of the NURTW office. In one instance, a vehicle was even used to enforce the monthly environmental sanitation recently reintroduced by the Lagos State government.
The situation highlights the need for an investigation into the deployment of government assets for non-designated purposes, especially given the importance of these vehicles for forest surveillance and patrol activities.
