By Bamidele Aremu
Operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) rescue a kidnapped girl and arrest her suspected abductor during a night operation in the Oke-Ode area of Ifelodun Local Government, Kwara State.
Confirming the development in Abuja on Sunday, the Deputy Commander General (Intelligence) of the NFSS, Dr. John Metchie, says the mission was successful and carried out without casualties.
“The NFSS Kwara Command’s operational report indicates that the mission was executed successfully without casualties. The rescued victim is safe, while the suspect has since been handed over to the Oke-Ode Police Division for further investigation,” Metchie said.
He further stated that “even though mobility constraints temporarily delayed the transfer of the suspect, measures were taken to secure him until daylight”
The Deputy Commander, also commended the Kwara Command of the NFSS and its Commander, Mr. Oyewole Nasirudeen, for what he describes as the gallantry of the operatives.
“This incident underscores the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and community-based intelligence in addressing insecurity across Nigeria’s forested regions,” he said.
Metchie reaffirms the agency’s commitment to working with all security stakeholders to cleanse Nigeria’s forests of criminal activity. “We are committed to working with all security agencies to rid forests across the country of criminalities,” he assured.
He urged the signing of the NFSS Establishment Bill by President Bola Tinubu, saying it would empower the service to operate more effectively.
“When the bill is signed, the operatives will be empowered to bear arms and other security equipment that will aid their operations,” he explained.
Metchie appreciated the Commander General of the NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, for what he calls focused and effective leadership that continues to improve the service’s capacity.
“I commend the Commander General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, for providing the right and focused leadership and enhancement of the service’s operational effectiveness,” Metchie added.
