Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for their recent success in capturing two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
The arrests were announced last Saturday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Ribadu, the operation, conducted between May and July 2025, was a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism effort that resulted in the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeria.
Usman coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells and orchestrated high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies, while al-Nigeri led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park.
The NSA linked the duo to several major incidents, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, attacks on Niger’s uranium facility, the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and maintained active ties with terrorist groups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
In a post on his official X handle, Obi praised the courage and sacrifices of security personnel operating under challenging conditions. He saluted their professionalism and called for better training, equipment, and motivation to sustain the successes.
However, Obi cautioned against complacency, stressing that justice must be fully served to prevent impunity and the recycling of arrested terrorists back into society.
“Beyond arrests, we must remain vigilant. Terrorism and violent criminality thrive when justice is not served. Justice must take its full course so that impunity is not encouraged,” he stated.
Obi also highlighted that security is fundamental to national development and urged leaders to provide the necessary resources and political will to end insecurity.
“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 added.
Reaffirming his vision for a “new Nigeria” founded on peace, justice, and sustainable development, Obi called on all stakeholders to work collectively towards lasting security.
