Operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service have successfully rescued a kidnapped girl and apprehended the suspected abductor during a night operation in the Oke-Ode axis of Ifelodun LGA in Kwara.

The deputy commander general (intelligence) of the NFSS, John Metchie, confirmed the rescue and arrest while adressing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Metchie said the suspect had been taken into custody, adding that even though mobility constraints temporarily delayed the transfer of the suspect, measures were taken to secure him until daylight.

He commended the Kwara command of NFSS and the commander, Oyewole Nasirudeen, for the gallantry of the operatives.

“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.

“This incident underscores the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and community-based intelligence in addressing insecurity across Nigeria’s forested regions,” he said.

Mr Metchie reiterated the commitment of NFSS to work with all the security agencies to rid forests across the country of criminalities. He assured the public that the service would be able to do better with the signing into law, the NFSS bill by President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, when the bill is signed the operatives will be empowered to bear arms and other security equipment that will aid their operations.

Mr Metchie commended the commander general of NFSS, Joshua Osatimehin, for providing the right and focused leadership and enhancement of the service’s operational effectiveness. 

(NAN)