The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has said that its operatives provided critical support to the Nigeria Police Force in apprehending the armed robbery suspects linked to the death of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery attack in Abuja.

The NFSS Assistant Commander-General, North-Central Zonal Command, Abdulhakeem Ibrahim, made this revelation while speaking with crime correspondents weekend.

He stated that his team, in collaboration with the police, apprehended five suspects who had been terrorising Zuba and its environs, stressing that this led to the arrest of the robbers linked to the deaths of Maduagwu and Danlami.

Ibrahim said the operation followed two consecutive attacks by the gang on a popular hotel in Zuba, located in the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the suspects struck twice before operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, acting on police directives, mounted a checkpoint near the hotel to intercept them.

According to him, 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.

The NFSS Commander added that further investigation led to the arrest of additional suspects and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, and a Beretta pistol from their hideout.

He praised the synergy between his team and the police, describing it as vital to sustaining community safety and grassroots intelligence.

Ibrahim appealed to the government to support the Nigeria Forest Security Service, revealing that many of its operatives have served the nation for years without remuneration or welfare.

He commended the Nigerian Army, the police, and other agencies for their cooperation in joint security operations across the North-Central region.

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

Ibrahim also thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for recognising the crucial role of the Nigeria Forest Security Service in tackling insecurity in the country.

He pledged the readiness of the Nigeria Forest Security Service to continue supporting security agencies in addressing the security challenges bedevilling the country. (AriseNews TV)