The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has announced that its operatives played a crucial role in helping the Nigeria Police Force apprehend a notorious robbery gang in Abuja, allegedly responsible for the killing of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
Assistant Commander-General of the NFSS, North Central Zonal Command, Abdulhakeem Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing journalists, saying the joint operation led to the arrest of five suspects notorious for violent attacks in Zuba and its environs.
According to him, the breakthrough followed two consecutive raids by the gang on a popular hotel in Zuba. Acting on police directives, NFSS operatives mounted a checkpoint near the hotel, which ultimately led to the gang’s interception.
“When the gang returned for another attack, they ran into our checkpoint. After a brief chase, they fled, abandoning their driver, who was later apprehended and handed over to the police,” Ibrahim stated.
He explained that subsequent investigations led to the arrest of additional suspects and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a Beretta pistol from their hideout.Commending the synergy between the NFSS and the police, Ibrahim described it as vital to improving community safety and grassroots intelligence.
“Police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police. That is how we work,” he said.
He, however, appealed to the government to support the NFSS, lamenting that many of its operatives have served for years without remuneration or welfare benefits.
“Our operatives are risking their lives to assist formal security agencies. We only ask for support to continue doing our job,” he added.
Ibrahim also applauded the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for recognising the NFSS’s contributions to national security. He commended the Commander-General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, and the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, for their leadership and commitment.
He reaffirmed the NFSS’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with other security agencies to combat crime and ensure peace across Nigeria.
