SECURITY NEWS
PORT HARCOURT The Commander of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Rivers State Command, Amb. Dr. George Esene, has categorically denied allegations circulating on social media that he harbours hatred for the Ikwerre people of Rivers State.
In a personally signed press statement issued on Sunday, 12th October 2026, and made available to newsmen, the Rivers NFSS Commander described the viral video as edited, misleading, and taken completely out of context.
Amb. Esene said it became imperative to address the matter personally in the interest of truth, peace, mutual understanding and the continued unity of Rivers State.
"First, I wish to state categorically that I do not hate the Ikwerre people, nor have I ever expressed hatred towards them or any other ethnic group in Rivers State. The allegation being circulated against me does not represent my position, values or approach to public service," he stated.
According to him, the video in question was an edited version of an interaction he had with friends and colleagues, during which he discussed personal encounters and experiences with individuals who have worked alongside him since the establishment of the Service.
He expressed deep concern that the doctored version now in circulation could generate unnecessary misunderstanding, provoke ethnic suspicion and undermine the peaceful coexistence for which Rivers State is known.
Amb. Esene stressed that as Commander of the NFSS in Rivers State, he works with personnel and stakeholders from different ethnic backgrounds, with the responsibility to protect lives and support forest security operations irrespective of tribe, religion or place of origin.
"How could I reasonably discharge this responsibility while harbouring hatred towards an entire ethnic group in the very state where I have been entrusted to serve? My position demands fairness, discipline, cooperation and respect for all," he queried.
The Commander also suggested that the circulation of the video may be connected to personal interests and opposition to his continued service, but appealed for calm and restraint, urging the public not to accept edited or decontextualised material as complete truth.
In a direct appeal to the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Amb. Esene said:
"To my brothers and sisters of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, I wish to make it clear that you are valued members of the Rivers State family. I have no reason to promote hostility or division against you. We share a common state, a common interest in peace and security, and a collective responsibility to ensure that our communities remain united."
He further appealed to all Rivers people, community leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, civil society groups and stakeholders to remain calm and not allow the controversy to create divisions.
He also urged social media users and media organisations to exercise restraint and responsibility when sharing content capable of damaging reputations or inflaming ethnic tensions.
Amb. Esene reaffirmed his commitment to his duties, assuring residents of Rivers State to go about their lawful activities without fear, adding that the controversy would not distract him from his mandate.
"At this moment, what Rivers State needs is not ethnic suspicion or personal antagonism, but unity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and security. I stand for peace. I stand for unity. I stand for the security and wellbeing of all Rivers people, without discrimination," he concluded.
P.Amb. Dr. George Esene,WPA,DIP
Commander, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS)
Rivers State Command
This statement is published in full as issued, in the interest of public clarification, fairness and ethnic harmony in Rivers State.
CONTACT FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Office of the Commander, NFSS Rivers State Command.
