NFSS Assists Police in Arresting Suspects Linked to ARISE News Staff Killing in Abuja

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has announced that its operatives played a key role in assisting the Nigeria Police Force in apprehending armed robbery suspects connected to the killing of ARISE News staff member, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, in Abuja.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday, the Assistant Commander General of the NFSS (North Central Zonal Command), Abdulhakeem Ibrahim, said the operation was a joint effort with the police, leading to the arrest of five suspects who had been terrorizing Zuba and nearby communities.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the violent robbery incident at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, which resulted in the deaths of Maduagwu and Danlami.

Ibrahim explained that the breakthrough came after two back-to-back attacks by the same gang on a popular hotel in Zuba. Acting on police directives, NFSS operatives mounted a checkpoint near the hotel. When the gang returned, they ran into the checkpoint and fled. Their driver was captured after a short chase and handed over to the police.

Subsequent investigations led to more arrests and the recovery of several weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and a Beretta pistol.

Commending the collaboration between the NFSS and the police, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of such partnerships in enhancing community safety and intelligence gathering.

> “The police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police. That’s how we work,” he said.



He appealed to the government to grant the NFSS formal legal recognition to improve its operational capacity and enable it to better support conventional security agencies.

> “Our operatives are risking their lives to help formal security agencies. We need government backing to continue this work,” he added.



Ibrahim also appreciated the Nigerian Army, police, and other security institutions for their cooperation, and extended special gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for acknowledging the NFSS’s role in tackling insecurity.

He further praised the NFSS Commander General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, and Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, for their leadership and unwavering support, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to continued collaboration with national security bodies to address Nigeria’s security challenges.