By Amah Alphonsus Amaonye
Jos, Plateau State — June 2026
Members of Course 4 of the Nigeria Forest Guard Special Squad, Plateau State Command, have paid glowing tribute to renowned security expert, United Nations Peace Ambassador, and international development advocate, Amb. Dr. John Metchie, for what they described as his exceptional commitment to national security, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and humanitarian service.
In a statement issued by the graduating officers, the trainees expressed profound gratitude to Amb. Metchie for his instrumental role in facilitating their participation in professional security training and capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen community-based security architecture across Nigeria.
According to the officers, Metchie’s contributions went beyond sponsorship and logistics, extending to personal mentorship, welfare support, moral encouragement, and continuous engagement throughout the rigorous training period.
The statement described him as a leader whose influence transcends ethnic, religious, and regional boundaries, noting that his dedication to national unity and peaceful coexistence has earned him widespread respect among security stakeholders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and youth groups across the country.
The officers noted that through his personal sacrifices and commitment to nation-building, many young Nigerians have acquired critical security skills needed to support ongoing efforts against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of criminality threatening communities.
“He did not merely support us financially; he stood with us throughout the journey. His constant concern for our welfare, his encouragement during difficult moments of training, and his presence during our Passing Out Parade demonstrated uncommon humility and leadership,” the statement said.
The graduating officers further described Amb. Metchie as a father figure whose commitment to humanity has impacted countless lives beyond the security sector.
A Resource Person with a National Vision
Amb. Metchie, a versed resource person who has remained actively involved in security advocacy, conflict resolution, diaspora engagement, and peace initiatives, has consistently championed stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies in addressing emerging threats across Nigeria.
His work as a resource person has focused on promoting intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms, youth engagement, and community resilience as critical tools for national stability.
Observers note that his interventions have complemented broader federal efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots security structures and empowering local actors to support formal security institutions.
Ribadu’s Security Coordination Receives Praise
In his response, Metchie used the opportunity to commend Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, for his strategic leadership and coordination of national security initiatives under the current administration.
He praised Ribadu’s efforts in enhancing intelligence-driven operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, improving security training programmes, and supporting initiatives aimed at securing forests and ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminal elements.
According to the resource person, the ongoing reforms being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser have contributed significantly to improving operational preparedness among security personnel and volunteers working to protect vulnerable communities.
Security analysts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of strengthening forest security operations, noting that forests have increasingly become hideouts for terrorists, kidnappers, armed bandits, and other criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.
Tinubu’s Security Policies Applauded
Speaking further, Amb. Metchie specially commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining security sector reforms and providing policy direction aimed at restoring peace and stability nationwide.
He noted that the administration’s emphasis on intelligence-led operations, enhanced security funding, recruitment initiatives, and community-based security frameworks has strengthened efforts to combat insecurity.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms under President Tinubu’s administration would continue to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges confronting the nation.
Commitment to National Service
Reaffirming their readiness to contribute to national security, the newly trained Nigeria Forest Guard Special Squad personnel pledged to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during training in support of efforts to protect lives, property, and critical national assets.
They vowed to uphold professionalism, discipline, patriotism, and community engagement as they join broader efforts to secure Nigeria’s forests and rural communities.
The officers concluded by expressing appreciation to Amb. Metchie, NSA Ribadu, and President Tinubu for their respective contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Your investments in people, and security will continue to inspire us. We are committed to honouring your sacrifices through dedicated service to our communities and our nation,” the statement added.
The tribute underscores the growing recognition of collaborative efforts involving government institutions, security experts, community leaders, and volunteers in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges and promoting lasting peace across the country.
