The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, has detained the Commander-General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Osatimehin Joshua Wole, alongside six other members of the group.
According to Sahara Reporters, security sources disclosed that the individuals were arrested and are currently being held in Abuja.
Those reportedly detained include L.E. Okonkwo; retired Major Abubakar A. Muhammed; retired Major Sunday Akpa; Usman Muazu Abdullahi; Peter Jov; and Reuben Kuku.
A source familiar with the development confirmed that “they are being detained in Abuja.”
The Nigerian Forest Security Service is tasked with securing forest areas across the country, particularly in combating banditry and kidnapping.
Osatimehin, as Commander-General, has been described as a key figure linking local intelligence networks with formal security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have not disclosed the specific reasons for the detention.
Neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor the NFSS has issued an official statement on the development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in May 2025 approved the creation of an armed forest guard unit to tackle insecurity in forested areas.
The move was aimed at addressing rising cases of kidnapping and terrorism linked to criminal groups operating within forests.
In October 2025, Osatimehin had urged the President to sign into law the bill establishing the NFSS, stressing the need for a specialised agency to secure Nigeria’s forests.
The Senate had also called for the passage of the NFSS Bill, citing increasing attacks and abductions in rural communities.