By Awwal Umar Kontagora Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration an...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Nigeria’s security agencies for recent successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry. However, he cautioned against complacency, urging sustained efforts to secure the nation.
His remarks came following a series of high-profile counter-terrorism operations led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which culminated in the arrest of top commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi described the operations—particularly the capture of Ansaru’s self-styled “Emir,” Mahmud Usman, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri—as “commendable” and a “step in the right direction.”
The arrests reportedly followed a three-month intelligence-led mission that targeted the group's leadership structure and funding networks. Obi praised Ribadu’s strategic coordination of the cross-border operation that dismantled a key terrorist cell operating near Kainji National Park.
NSA Ribadu had, over the weekend confirmed the arrest of Mahmud Usman, who allegedly led sleeper cells across Nigeria and orchestrated numerous high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies that financed Ansaru’s activities.
Also apprehended was Mahmud al-Nigeri, said to be the commander of the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated in Niger and Kwara states, with connections extending into Benin Republic—effectively forming a transnational terror network.
Obi said in his statement:
“I commend the Nigerian security agencies for their recent achievements in the fight against terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry. This is indeed a remarkable feat and a step in the right direction in our collective struggle against insecurity.”
“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.”
However, he emphasised that arrests alone are not enough to defeat terrorism:
“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.”
Security analysts say the recent successes highlight Ribadu’s approach to intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration between the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS). Tactical redeployments and coordination with regional security forces have also been credited for the breakthrough.
Despite the progress, experts warn that rural banditry and judicial delays continue to threaten long-term success.
Obi called for broader institutional support to consolidate gains:
“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 concluded with a reiteration of his political mantra: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
Reactions to Obi’s statement were mixed. While some security experts welcomed his bipartisan tone, they echoed his concerns about the need for prosecutions and systemic reforms.
“Celebrating arrests is fine, but without convictions, these wins are temporary,” said Kabiru Adamu, a counter-terrorism analyst.
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