Spear News Nigeria
The Federal Government has attributed the bloodless capture of one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, Mamuda, and his chief of staff to improved coordination among Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a world press conference held ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Idris, who was responding to questions on the state of the nation’s security, said the operation that led to the arrest of the terror suspect and his top aide was carried out without a single shot being fired.
He noted that the suspects had been placed on watchlists by the United States and Europe, with bounties on their heads, yet Nigerian security operatives were able to take them into custody.
“During the time of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have seen greater coordination between security agencies and intelligence services. This, indeed, has led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, the so-called Mamuda and his chief of staff. Today, Mamuda and his chief of staff are having their day in court,” the minister said.
He added, “These are people that even nations like the United States and Europe have placed bounties on their heads to capture them. But today, they have been captured without one shot fired.
“Now, this is an indication of the kind of coordination and collaboration and intelligence sharing happening between the armed forces and intelligence services that is leading to greater efficiency in terms of confronting these criminal elements.”
Security Challenges Not Over – FG
Despite the breakthrough, Idris was quick to admit that the country had not completely overcome its security challenges, listing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities as ongoing concerns.
He said the Federal Government was not resting on its oars, stressing that efforts were being intensified to strengthen the armed forces through additional military platforms and equipment while bringing troops closer to areas of operation.
According to him, President Tinubu had increased the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12 to ensure that troops were closer to areas where security operations were required.
“This is to ensure that the armed forces are being brought closer to areas of operation so that they don’t have to travel far and wide to confront these criminal elements and the sergeants who are making life difficult for people,” he said.
New Equipment, Improved Welfare for Troops
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved funding for additional military platforms and equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
He explained that some of the hardware, including attack helicopters and other military assets, were only just being delivered after being ordered under the previous administration, noting that such procurements involve lengthy processes.
Idris further revealed that the government had approved improved welfare and salaries for members of the armed forces, describing the move as a morale booster for personnel.
He said the administration had equally stepped up coordination among security agencies and intelligence services as part of efforts to restore normalcy in affected communities.
‘We Are on a March Towards Exterminating This’
While acknowledging that more work remained, the minister cited improved movement between Abuja and Kaduna as an example of progress, saying travelling along the route had become easier compared with previous years.
“Now, this is not to say that we have solved all the security challenges. The government has never said that. It has been completely resolved. But we are on a march towards exterminating this once and for all,” he said.
“Do we need to do more? Yes, indeed, we need to do more. But are we where we were? Not at all. I think that we are moving towards solving this problem.”
Idris urged Nigerians and the media to recognise the efforts of the armed forces and security agencies while continuing to report security incidents and the government’s response to them.
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