That’s the view of Dubbo identity Pat Foley who worked as a mounted trooper in rugged mountainous terrain around Nowendoc (on the Northern Tablelands) from 1959 to 1965.

Police are continuing to scour the area for Naden who is wanted over the January 2005 disappearance of Dubbo woman Lateesha Nolan, the June 2005 murder of her friend Kristy Scholes and a 2004 aggravated indecent assault of a teenaged girl.

Although long retired from the NSW police service, Mr Foley is closely monitoring the police hunt.

Naden, an experienced bushman, was reportedly sighted at Condobolin, Lightning Ridge, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie when he first went on the run six-and-a-half years ago.

He is believed to have spent the last few years ranging through bushland between Walcha, Kempsey and Barrington Tops.

“It’s not surprising that Naden has been able to evade police for so long,’’ Mr Foley told the Daily Liberal.

“And if he wants to disappear off the face of the earth, Nowendoc is the place to do it.

“The country is very dense, difficult terrain. Much of it can only be penetrated by foot.

“As an experience bushman, Naden could hide out indefinitely.

“The creeks offer plenty of fresh water and fish and there are innumerable places where a fugitive could hide.

“Despite the best efforts of police, there’s a good chance he has slipped away again.’’

The Naden manhunt is reminiscent of frightening times in 1900 when Nowendoc homesteads were terrorised by the Governor gang.

Jimmy Governor, his brother Joe and mate Jacky Underwood went on the run after massacring a family at Breelong (near Gilgandra) in July that year.

They killed nine people in seven days and evaded police for three months during a 3200km crime spread through the Central West and New England regions.

Mr Foley and his wife Cynthia have been in contact with friends in the Nowendoc area.

They report the region is in lockdown.

“Residents have been told to remain vigilant by ensuring homes and farm buildings are secure,’’ Mr and Mrs Foley said.

“Police are describing Naden as armed and dangerous.

“Our friends know that he should not be approached under any circumstances.’’

Naden is described as being 177 centimetres tall with a medium build, brown eyes and possibly a moustache and/or beard.

Police have released digitally-enhanced photos of what wanted Naden could look like today.

Anyone who can assist police with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.