How we helped captured suspects behind killing of Arise TV reporter in Abuja- NHFSS

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has revealed how its operatives played a key role in helping the Nigeria Police Force capture members of a notorious robbery gang operating in Abuja.

The suspects were linked to the killing of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a recent robbery attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the NFSS Assistant Commander General in charge of the North Central Zonal Command, Abdulhakeem Ibrahim, said his team worked closely with the police to track down and arrest five suspects who had been terrorising Zuba and neighbouring communities.

According to Ibrahim, the arrests followed two consecutive attacks by the gang on a popular hotel in Zuba.

He explained that NFSS operatives, acting on directives from the police, mounted a checkpoint near the hotel after the second attack to intercept the criminals.

“When the gang returned, they ran into the checkpoint and fled after a brief chase, abandoning their driver, who was later apprehended and handed over to the police,” Ibrahim said.

He added that subsequent investigations led to the capture of additional suspects and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a Beretta pistol from their hideout.

The NFSS commander lauded the strong collaboration between his operatives and the police, describing the partnership as crucial for maintaining community safety and improving grassroots intelligence.

“Police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police. That is how we work,” he said.

Ibrahim also appealed to the government to grant the NFSS legal recognition to strengthen its operations and enable it to contribute more effectively to national security.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the police, and other agencies for their continued cooperation in joint security efforts across the North Central region.

“Our operatives are risking their lives to assist formal security agencies. We are asking for support to continue doing our job,” he said.

Ibrahim thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for acknowledging the service’s vital role in combating insecurity. He also commended the NFSS Commander General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, and Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, for their leadership and support.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NFSS to continue assisting national security agencies in addressing the country’s growing security challenges.