Oyo NFSS Holds Passing Out Parade for Newly Trained Recruits in Iseyin
- Iseyin Council Chair, Fadiran, Area Commander Rufus Akanle, Major Ibitoye, Others Make Key Note Addresses
The Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has successfully coordinated the Passing Out Parade (POP) for a new batch of recruits who recently concluded an intensive four-day capacity-building training.
The ceremony, which marked the formal completion of their induction processes, was held on Saturday, 25th October 2025, at the NYSC Orientation Camp located along Ilábe Okeho Road in Iseyin, Oyo State.
The event attracted the presence of key security stakeholders, government officials and traditional leaders, underscoring the significance of forest security within the region.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included the NFSS Assistant Commandant General, Comrade S. J. Okunlade; Oyo State NFSS Commandant, Commandant Adebisi Adeleke; Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran; Iseyin/Itesiwaju Area Commander, ACP Akanle Rufus Adegoke; and Major S.O. Ibitoye, who represented the Director General of the Oyo State Joint Security Task Force (Operation Burst), Col. J.A. Oladipo (Rtd.). Also in attendance were Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Ojobo Michael, representing the Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Camp Commandant, Prince Oyedepo Olufemi, as well as community leaders and Baales.
While addressing acrossnigerianews.com after the event, ACG Okunlade stated that the recruits commenced their intensive training on October 22 and completed it on October 25, 2025. He noted that the establishment of the NFSS was first conceptualized in 2016 and has since gained approval of the National Assembly, awaiting final ratification by the Presidency.
According to him, the creation of the NFSS was informed by the need to collaborate with existing security agencies to protect Nigeria’s increasingly vulnerable forests, which have in recent years become hideouts for bandits, kidnappers and illegal loggers.
“Our forests have become strategic national assets that require deliberate protection. The NFSS is committed to partnering with sister agencies to secure lives, property and forest resources across the nation,” Okunlade said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Oyo State NFSS Commandant, Comrade Adebisi Adeleke, commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the State Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, for their support towards strengthening the operations of the NFSS in the state. He, however, emphasized that the organization still requires more equipment and logistics to effectively discharge its mandate.
“We acknowledge what the state government has done for us, but our call, like that of Oliver Twist, is to ask for more. We need more operational tools to function optimally,” Adeleke appealed.
Declaring the POP open, the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran, who served as the Reviewing Officer, praised the recruits for their resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the training.
“Your perseverance is commendable. You have chosen a noble path – one that requires discipline, courage and sacrifice. I pray that your labour and service will not be in vain,” Fadiran said.
Also speaking, ACP Akanle Rufus Adegoke, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olufemi Haruna PSC+, urged the recruits to remain law-abiding and uphold the code of conduct of the NFSS. He cautioned them against the misuse of firearms and misuse of authority.
“You must be professional in your conduct at all times. Your responsibility is to protect the forests and safeguard lives and property—not to intimidate citizens,” he said.
In their separate remarks, Major S.O. Ibitoye and ACC Ojobo Michael lauded the efforts of the Camp Commandant and the NFSS leadership in ensuring smooth training operations. They encouraged the recruits to serve with humility, courage and dedication.
The ceremony featured a parade march past, oath-taking, and the official decoration of the recruits. It was well attended by members of the security community, traditional authorities, forest stakeholders and families of the new recruits.
