Nuhu Ribadu and Commitment to National Security
By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo,anipr
In Managing security of a country;it requires holistic efforts and commitment.It is far from mere talking shops as it involves covert operations and pragmatic zeal, and all round strategies to achieve peace for the good and progress of the country.
Nuhu Ribadu in the eyes of National Security has recorded a huge success against banditry and insurgency in recent past.Here is a man who doesn’t make noise but silently doing his job and enhancing results.Under his stewardship,many top bandits leaders in the North West and North Central have been neutralised by the military and DSS.
The most recent breakthrough is the arrest of two wanted terrorist kingpins -Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri(aka Mallam Mahmuda)
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu made the announcement of the arrest of terrorist kingpins on Saturday .
According to Ribadu:
“The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU. He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.
“The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy. He is the leader of the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell hiding out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to Benin Republic. Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody.
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander, respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism. The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception. This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group”, Ribadu said.
The Ansaru group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a “humane alternative.” However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure. The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.
“Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest-based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States, as well as the Benin Republic”, Ribadu explained.
Furthermore, it is a public knowledge now that Nuhu Ribadu has raised the bar in the responsibility of the National Security Adviser’s office.Honestly,when President Tinubu appointed him, I was not too elated, because since 1999 it has always been military men as National Security Advisers; From Obasanjo, Yar’adua, Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari.But the sterling performance of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has changed my perception entirely.Indeed, he is one of the finest and disciplined police officers.
The recent success achieved by his office has attracted global commendation.On Monday the United States has commended the federal government on the Arrest of the two terrorists kingpins.
In an X post on Monday, the US mission in Nigeria described the arrest as “a significant step forward in the country’s fight against terrorism and extremism”.
“We commend the Nigerian government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda),” the post reads.
“This is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”
In the same vein,Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has applauded President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the arrest of top leaders of terrorist groups, describing the breakthrough as a major boost to the nation’s counterterrorism efforts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Governor said the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, leader of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (popularly Park called Malam Mahmuda), demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-ledKwara State operations under the present administration. “These arrests are a big win for the country,” AbdulRazaq said. “We commend the President, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the Armed Forces, Police, and other agencies for this feat. On our part, we will continue to support their efforts on all fronts.”
Professor Farooq Kperogi,despite his frequent criticism about Nigeria’s insecurity also commended the National Security Adviser ,Nuhu Ribadu on the recent breakthrough.
Significantly, Many analysts are of the opinion that, in the past concerted efforts among security agents were not there but today there have been integrated synergy under Nuhu Ribadu.Kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Nuhu Ribadu, because he is making a difference.
It is also imperative to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to secure the country.Nuhu Ribadu wouldn’t have accomplished this,if not for the support his office enjoys from Mr President.
Meanwhile, the recent breakthrough does not mean the end of banditry, Kidnapping and terrorism but it is a significant success toward dismantling of terrorists strongholds, which Mallam Nuhu Ribadu also alluded to while announcing the success.
By way of conclusion, Security is everyone’s business so we must support the government in getting rid of the terrorists,kidnappers and bandits.A secure country is prosperous, therefore the office of the National Security Adviser and all stakeholders should continue to work hand in hand to sustain the tempo. May Nigeria succeed
God bless Nigeria.
abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com
