The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has commended National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for confirming the capture of two most-wanted terrorist leaders in Nigeria.
Ribadu had on Saturday in Abuja announced the arrest of Amir Mahmud Mohammed Usman, also known as Abu Baraa, leader of the Ansaru terrorist organisation, and his deputy, Marmuda. Ansaru is widely regarded as Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. The leader of the Mahmudawa terrorist group was also taken into custody.
For weeks, speculation about the arrests had circulated in the media, with the Department of State Services (DSS) declining to confirm or deny. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago was the first government official to publicly acknowledge the capture, praising President Bola Tinubu’s security reforms and the DSS for its role.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa, NEYGA said Ribadu’s confirmation reassured communities across the North. The group particularly welcomed his disclosure that the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation involving surveillance, tracking and human assets.
NEYGA also praised DSS Director General Tosin Ajayi for what it called a “covertness and results-driven approach.” The group recalled Ajayi’s record in 2009 when, as Assistant Director of Operations in Kaduna, he coordinated the successful rescue of Canadian citizen Julie Ann Mulligan without ransom or casualties.
According to NEYGA, the development shows security agencies are returning to quiet efficiency while delivering results in the fight against terrorism.