Who is Natforce DG in Nigeria?

Introduction

Natforce DG is a prominent figure in Nigeria, known for his contributions to national security and youth empowerment. The acronym "Natforce" stands for National Taskforce on Illegal Importation and Smuggling of Small Arms, Ammunitions, and Light Weapons, which is a government agency responsible for combating illegal arms trade in the country. In this article, we will explore the background, achievements, and controversies surrounding Natforce DG.

Background and Career

Natforce DG, whose real name is Osita Okereke, was born on September 21, 1972, in Nanka, Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Lagos, where he studied Business Administration. After graduation, he worked in various companies before venturing into politics.

In 2011, Natforce DG contested for the governorship position of Anambra State under the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). Although he didn't win the election, he gained popularity for his campaign against illegal arms trade in the state. This led to his appointment as the National Coordinator of Natforce in 2012.

As the head of Natforce, Natforce DG has been at the forefront of the fight against illegal arms trade in Nigeria. He has also initiated various programs aimed at empowering youths and promoting national security.

Achievements

Under the leadership of Natforce DG, the agency has made significant progress in reducing the incidence of illegal arms trade in the country. In 2014, Natforce intercepted a large shipment of arms and ammunition that were being smuggled into the country through the port of Lagos. This led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of the illegal weapons.

Natforce has also been involved in various peacekeeping missions in the country. In 2016, the agency was part of a joint task force that was deployed to the Niger Delta region to combat militancy and oil theft. The operation was successful, and it led to the arrest of several militants and the recovery of stolen oil.

Aside from its security operations, Natforce has also been actively involved in youth empowerment programs. The agency has trained thousands of youths in various skills, including agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship. This has helped to reduce unemployment and promote economic growth in the country.

Controversies

Despite its achievements, Natforce has been embroiled in several controversies over the years. In 2013, the agency was accused of operating outside its mandate by some state governors. They claimed that Natforce was involved in the collection of levies from businesses in their states, which they described as illegal.

In 2014, Natforce was also accused of extortion by some truck drivers. The drivers claimed that Natforce officials were demanding money from them at various checkpoints, and those who refused to pay were subjected to harassment and intimidation.

Furthermore, in 2019, Natforce DG was accused of misappropriating funds meant for a youth empowerment program. According to the accusers, Natforce DG diverted the funds to his personal account and failed to deliver on the promises made to the beneficiaries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Natforce DG is an influential personality in Nigeria, known for his efforts in promoting national security and youth empowerment. Under his leadership, Natforce has made significant progress in the fight against illegal arms trade in the country, and it has also been actively involved in various peacekeeping missions. However, the agency has been embroiled in several controversies, which have raised questions about its operations and accountability. It is essential for Natforce to address these issues and ensure that it operates within its mandate to achieve its objectives fully.