Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Thursday, launched a new security outfit named Quick Response Squad (QRS), aimed at improving the State’s ability to respond swiftly to security emergencies, particularly in vulnerable areas.

The new outfit which is made up of Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF); is expected to collaborate with the military, police and other security agencies to enhance surveillance, community protection, and rapid deployment in times of crisis.

The squad was officially inaugurated on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia by Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, during a ceremony that marked the operational rollout of the initiative.

Governor Alia described the formation of the QRS as a proactive measure to close response gaps in the face of growing security challenges affecting parts of the state.

“The safety of our people remains a top priority, and this squad is designed to respond quickly and decisively wherever threats may arise,” the Governor said through his deputy.

The government says the squad will be strategically deployed to high-risk areas, reinforcing existing security structures and supporting law enforcement efforts.

It would be recalled that the Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, recently urged the Benue state Governor to work with the state command of the Service, stating that the proposed law for the establishment of NFSS, allows its operatives to bear arms.

The NFSS boss said the Service would have what it takes to comb forests, flush out criminals and protect local communities in Benue and other states across the country from attacks.

Represented by the Deputy Commander General Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, he spoke in response to Governor Alia’s assertion that local vigilantes and forest guards set up by the state government lack the capacity to confront bandits and other violent criminals terrorsing local communities.

Metchie, while expressing sympathy and solidarity with the government and people of Benue State for the recent killings that took place in some communities in the area, however commended the military and other security agencies for rising up to the occasion, with a view of ensuring that such ugly incidences do not re-occur.

He also commented President Bola Tinubu for personally visiting the affected state and giving directives to the security agencies to arrest perpetrators of the crimes.

Metchie said- “The Nigerian Forest Security Service, sympathies with the government and people of Benue, Plateau and other states recently affected by attacks by violent criminal elements, especially families of the victims.

“We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards cannot protect communities, especially in cases where violent criminals who operate with high grade weapons are involved.

“It is for that reason that the NFSS is here as the missing link to bridge the gap. We recognize and commend the Nigerian military, the Police, the Department of State Security, Office of the National Security Advisor, the NSCDC and other relevant agencies for the untiring efforts to secure the nation and protect her people and properties.

“The NFSS believe that when the bill establishing the Service is assented to by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a lot more would be achieved through collaborative efforts and synergy, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing which are critical to security of any nation

“To that end, we use this opportunity to solicit the support of Governor Alia and all other stakeholders for the NFSS bill to be signed into law my Mr. President,” Metchie said.