Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised Nigeria’s security agencies for their recent breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, following the arrest of two high-ranking leaders of the notorious Ansaru terrorist group.
The announcement of the arrests was made last Saturday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who disclosed that the captures were the result of a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation carried out between May and July 2025.
According to Ribadu, one of those apprehended, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, was the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism across Nigeria.
His deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which operates around Kainji National Park, stretching across Niger and Kwara states into the Benin Republic.
The NSA further revealed that the group was responsible for several notorious operations, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on Niger’s uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura).
They were also implicated in the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and maintain active terrorist networks across the Maghreb region, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Reacting via his official X handle on Tuesday, Obi described the arrests as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s security efforts, commending the courage and sacrifices of security operatives who often risk their lives under difficult conditions.
“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,” Obi stated.
While applauding the progress, Obi cautioned against complacency, stressing that justice must prevail to ensure accountability and deter future crimes.
“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 warned.
The former Anambra State governor further emphasized that security is the foundation of national development, urging Nigeria’s leaders to provide the necessary resources, political will, and strategic support to fully defeat terrorism.
“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.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of a “new Nigeria” anchored on peace, justice, and sustainable development.
