Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised Nigeria’s security agencies for their recent achievements in the fight against terrorism, following the arrest of two key commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, confirmed the terrorist leaders’ arrests last Saturday.
According to Ribadu, the leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, were apprehended in a “high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation” between May and July 2025.
He stated that Mahmud Muhammad Usman, identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, was the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and the mastermind of numerous high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance the group’s operations.
Ribadu further stated that his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which operates in the Kainji National Park area, which borders Niger and Kwara states and extends into the Benin Republic.
The NSA further stated that their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium complex, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura).
Ribadu stated that they were also responsible for the kidnapping of the Emir of Wawa and that they maintain active contacts with terrorist groups throughout the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
US applauds Nigeria’s arrest of key terrorist leaders
FG arrests masterminds of Kuje prison break, top Al-Qaeda terrorists
Obi responded to the fear with a post on his official X on Tuesday, describing the apprehension of the terrorist leaders as a step in the right direction.
Obi said security officers’ heroism and sacrifices, often under tough situations, demonstrated their dedication to securing the country.
“Our gallant officers and men in uniform have shown courage, often under very difficult conditions. Their sacrifices remind us that Nigeria can—and must—be safe for all its citizens. I salute their professionalism and urge that they be better equipped, trained, and motivated to sustain these gains,” he said.
Speaking on the successes recorded, Obi warned against complacency, stressing that justice must take its course to prevent impunity.
“Beyond arrests, we must remain vigilant. Terrorism and violent criminality thrive when justice is not served, when those arrested are recycled back into society without accountability. Justice must take its full course so that impunity is not encouraged,” he added.
Obi also mentioned that security remained the bedrock of national development, urging leaders to provide the necessary resources, political will, and support to end insecurity.
“Let this victory remind us that security is the foundation of every meaningful development. A secure Nigeria is possible, and together we must support our security agencies with the right leadership, resources, and political will to end the reign of terror in our land,” he said.
