Sh*ck Arrest: Nuhu Ribadu Reportedly Detains NFSS Boss, 6 Others

The Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, has reportedly detained the Commander-General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Osatimehin Joshua Wole, alongside six other members of the organisation.

According to credible security reports, the individuals were apprehended and are currently being held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Those said to be in custody include L.E. Okonkwo; retired Major Abubakar A. Muhammed; retired Major Sunday Akpa; Usman Muazu Abdullahi; Peter Jov; and Reuben Kuku. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that all the affected individuals remain in detention within the city.

The Nigerian Forest Security Service is a paramilitary outfit tasked with safeguarding forest regions across the country, particularly in the fight against banditry and kidnapping. As Commander-General, Osatimehin has been regarded as a central figure in coordinating grassroots intelligence with formal security agencies.

As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to disclose the specific reasons behind the arrests, while neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor the NFSS has issued any official statement addressing the development.

The reported detentions come against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen security across forested regions. In May 2025, the President approved the establishment of an armed forest guard unit aimed at curbing rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism linked to criminal elements operating within forest areas.

Earlier in October 2025, Osatimehin had publicly appealed for the formalisation of the NFSS through legislation, emphasising the urgent need for a specialised agency dedicated to securing Nigeria’s forests. The Senate had similarly advocated for the passage of the NFSS Bill, citing increasing attacks and abductions in rural communities.