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  • How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders – NSA

    How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said on Saturday that security forces recorded a major breakthrough with the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.

    Ribadu told newsmen in Abuja that the intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July decapitated the leadership of the Al-Qaeda-linked group and dealt “the most decisive blow against them.”

    He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders.

    Ribadu added that the operation was launched against Ansaru enclaves in and around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara, with links extending into Benin Republic.

    He identified one of the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru.”

    Ribadu also identified the second suspect as Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda),Bara’s deputy and Chief of Staff.

    He said both suspects had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.

    “Abu Bara was described as the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.

    “His deputy, Malam Mamuda, was said to have trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication,” he said

    The NSA said the two leaders jointly spearheaded multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the attack on a Niger uranium facility.

    Others, he said, included the 2013 abduction of French engineer, Francis Collomp, in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura) and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

    He added that they were also linked to Ansaru’s networks across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

    According to him, the capture of Abu Bara and Mamuda marks a turning point.

    ” It has dismantled Ansaru’s central command structure and signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

    He said security forces also recovered valuable materials and digital evidence during the operation which were now undergoing forensic analysis.

    According to him, these are expected to generate further actionable intelligence against residual Ansaru cells and their foreign collaborators.

    “This feat exemplifies Nigeria’s advancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

    “It followed months of deep surveillance, human intelligence and technical tracking, demonstrating enhanced sophistication and seamless inter-agency synergy,” he added.

    The NSA commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance as well as the armed forces, intelligence agencies and security services for their doggedness in achieving the success.

    He reassured Nigerians that the government would sustain the momentum, stressing that the fight against terrorism was far from over.

    “Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve and unwavering determination,” he added.

    He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, noting that “national security is a shared responsibility.”

    In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the military and other security forces for the collaborative efforts.

    He also urged the media to continue to deny the terrorists the opportunity to use the media to propagate their evil agenda.

    “It is incumbent on all of us to ensure that we work collaboratively together so that Nigeria can be safe again,” he said.

  • Insecurity: NGF, NSA, Defence Minister hold closed door meeting in Abuja

    Insecurity: NGF, NSA, Defence Minister hold closed door meeting in Abuja

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a closed door meeting with the National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar on Wednesday.

    The meeting under the leadership of the Forum Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, is holding at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja.

    The Governors in attendance were those of Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Kogi, Ondo, Imo, Cross-River, Ogun and Edo.

    Though the meeting agenda is not disclosed, it may not be unconnected with the issue of insecurity in the country, especially the latest killings in Yelwata, Benue State.

    Meanwhile, a reliable source disclosed that the meeting was taking briefing from the NSA and the defence minister.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu earlier on Wednesday visited Benue where he held a stakeholders meeting with the people at the Government House, Markudi.

    The president, at the meeting, directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue.

    The meeting included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Traditional Rulers, and former Governors of the state.

    President Tinubu called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests had not been made.

    He also urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

    The outcome of the closed door meeting between the NGF, the NSA and the Defence Minister is yet to be disclosed.

  • Insecurity: FG destroys 3,867 illicit weapons

    Insecurity: FG destroys 3,867 illicit weapons

    The Federal Government has destroyed 3, 867 different types and calibres of Small and Light Weapons (SALW).

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, performed the destruction exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri in Abuja.

    Ribadu was represented by Mr Asishana Okauru, Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, ONSA.

    The Director-General of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said the arms destruction exercise was the fourth in a series of what had now become routine in the centre’s illicit weapons reduction strategy.

    “Today, a total of quantity 3,867 different types and calibres of SALW would be destroyed by initial burning process and subsequently, smelting of the remnant metal parts.

    “It is pertinent to state that the National Centre has in its custody some recovered/captured illicit SALW still undergoing tracing as well as investigations and legal processes.

    “These include the illicit weapons smuggled into the Country and intercepted at Onne Port and NAHCO shed at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos by the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “These categories of weapons would be destroyed on completion of the proceedings during subsequent routine destruction exercises,” he said.

    Kokumo said the exercise highlights the dangers of excess, poorly secured, and illegal weapons as well as the importance of small arms destruction as a vital measure to reduce the proliferation and misuse of firearms.

    According to him, it also underscores the Nigerian Government’s commitment to transparent documentation and destruction of decommissioned, unserviceable, captured, surrendered and recovered illicit firearms.

    This, he said, is in line with the provisions of Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW.

    The NCCSALW boss said the centre would continue to push in the direction with a view to generating ingenious strategies to reduce, if not completely eradicate, the availability of illicit arms in the society.

    He express appreciation to the Service Chiefs and heads of other arms bearing security and intelligence services for releasing the recovered weapons for the destruction exercises.

    “I am rest assured of your continued support to the Centre as we work together towards our shared vision of an illicit arms-free society,” he added.

  • Proliferation of small arms, light weapons key driver of violent conflicts – NSA

    Proliferation of small arms, light weapons key driver of violent conflicts – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, says Nigeria can defeat terrorism through concerted efforts of the Federal Government and unity of citizenry to control proliferation of illicit arms.

    Ribadu said this during the public destruction of illicitly acquired decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons conducted by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Represented by the Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, Mr Asishana Okauru, Ribadu said proliferation of SALW constitutes a huge threat to national security.

    He said the menace had become a key driver of violent conflict, crimes and terrorism within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    According to him, the failure of the global community to effectively control the availability of illicit SALW has continued to undermine global peace and significantly hinder development especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

    “We recognise the complexity of the challenges of controlling the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria and the requirement for concerted action amongst the government, international community and all well-meaning Civil Society Organisations.

    “Nonetheless, we are resolved to galvanise our strengths and unity as a nation to confront these monstrous challenges and I am optimistic that we shall surmount them,” he said.

    Ribadu noted that the establishment of the Centre in 2021 was a historic step towards addressing the problem of small arms proliferation through an institutional platform that would structurally address all underlying contributors to national security threats within international protocols.

    He said the signing of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to putting an end to elicit arms in the country.

    According to him the destruction exercise is a reminder to all Nigerians of our collective responsibility to support the government and by extension the security agencies in the fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest and socio-economic wellbeing.

    “It is a clarion call to reclaim our security space and restore our nation to the path of peace, security and development.

    “We, as patriotic citizens must stand up to be counted at this time by providing information to the security agencies and we must trust the Government to bring the state’s authority to bear in ensuring that all Nigerians, wherever they may reside, enjoy the peace and security that they truly deserve.

    “The Federal Government is also taking firm steps through relevant Ministries and Government Agencies to tighten domestic controls to prevent and reduce the flow of SALW into illegal hands who are working to undermine our security,” he added.

    The NSA commended the centre for the milestone achievement within the short time of its establishment, expressing confidence in the commitment of NCCSALW to successfully deliver on its mandate of significantly eradicating illicit arms from the society.

    The exercise, conducted at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, was the fourth destruction exercise conducted by the centre since its establishment in 2021.

  • BANDITRY! Tinubu in closed door session with defence chief, NSA

    BANDITRY! Tinubu in closed door session with defence chief, NSA

    President Bola Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, at his official residence in the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting comes amid escalating insecurity across the country, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where armed assailants—believed to be foreign herders—have killed hundreds and displaced communities in recent weeks.

    The security chiefs are expected to brief the President, who returned Monday night from a 19-day trip to Europe, on the worsening situation and ongoing efforts to restore order.

    Between March 28 and April 14, over 150 people were reportedly killed in Plateau’s Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, while at least 44 more were killed in Benue communities including Otobi Akpa, Ikobi, and Gwer West. On April 19, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed another 20 deaths in coordinated attacks in Logo and Ukum LGAs.

    It is unclear if other security and intelligence officials have joined the meeting, but it is expected to address urgent security interventions for affected regions.

  • Insecurity: Criminals dare NSA Ribadu, cart away office Hilux during Juma’at prayer in Abuja

    Insecurity: Criminals dare NSA Ribadu, cart away office Hilux during Juma’at prayer in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.

    It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.

    Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.

    According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.

    Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.

    Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.

    The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.

  • NSA hands over 59 kidnapped victims to Kaduna govt

    NSA hands over 59 kidnapped victims to Kaduna govt

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, handed over 59 kidnapped victims rescued by the security agencies to the Kaduna State Government

    The rescued victims comprising 28 male adults, 24 male adults and six children, were rescued from various locations in Kaduna State.

    In his remarks, Ribadu said the rescue was achieved in joint operations of all the security forces under the directives of President Bola Tinubu to work extra to ensure that peace, security and normalcy were restored in the country.

    “Yet again today, we have just received those who were rescued from captivity as a result of kidnapping by bandits.

    “They are going back to their homes, we have seen them. It has been the case.

    “Thousands and thousands of people have got grace and the work of President Bola Tinubu have been able to bring peace, security and restore their freedom and they are going back.

    “We believe it is a journey. Already a lot is taking place and we are restoring order, we are bringing justice, we are bringing back peace to our country.

    “About 59 or so people today. Last week, another number like that, and thousands and thousands and it is ongoing across the country.

    “It is also a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr. President,” he said.

    Ribadu commended the security forces led by the 1 division Nigerian Army to ensure successful rescue of the victims.

    He also commended the efforts of Kaduna government for cooperating with the Federal Government and the security forces to rid the state of insecurity.

    “I would like to thank all those who are in charge or in the forefront of fighting to keep us safe in our country.

    “The armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police, all of us are working as one and we are seeing the result.

    “ We thank God for this opportunity given to us. We will continue to work and indeed it is a matter of time, Nigeria will be peaceful and we will restore order, definitely,” he added.

    The representative of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, assured that the military, in collaboration with all intelligence and security agencies, were fully committed to ensuring peace and security across the country.

    He said they would continue to work under the coordination of the NSA to actualise the intent of the Commander-in-Chief.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, Sani Kila, who represented the state government, thanked the NSA for ensuring that all kidnapped victims were returned to their families.

    “First, I have to sincerely commend the effort of Mr President in gearing attention and ensuring that security is number one priority in the land.

    “Secondly, I must also commend my Governor, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani, for following in the shoes of Mr President.

    “He is doing a lot to ensure that the citizens of Kaduna State are freed and they live peacefully,” he said.

    The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were rescued from different locations in the state by the security forces.

    He said that some had been in captivity for more than four months.

    “These captives were rescued along Abuja-Kaduna Way, specifically at Rijana General Area, and through the effort of the various security agencies that is yielding fruit.

    “We should commend Mr. President and commend all of them and we should continue to pray.

    “Some of them have been with the captives for about four months, and in different periods in between, but the most recent period has been four months.

    “Based on intelligence that we have been collecting, the NSA directed us to tie up with 1 Division Nigerian Army, who is the lead in Kaduna, to conduct operations within the area which we have identified to rescue these people.

    “One division was the lead in these operations,” he said.

  • Kidnapping most pressing security threat in Nigeria – NSA

    Kidnapping most pressing security threat in Nigeria – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu has said kidnapping remains one of the most pressing security threats in Nigeria today.

    He disclosed that the nation has achieved significant progress in its fight against insecurity, as the security agencies recorded 80 per cent success against kidnapping.

    Ribadu, who stated this while inaugurating the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) on Thursday in Abuja, commended the efforts of the security agencies in the war against kidnaping in the country.

    The fusion cell is housed in the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser and is supported by the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom.

    “Let me commend the National Coordinator and the dedicated staff of the National Counterterrorism Center for their remarkable efforts. I’m immensely proud of the progress you have made so far.

    “We don’t even advertise the work we are doing yet, but I can assure you those who are working, they are making a massive difference in our country today.

    “In a short period of time, less than two years, we can say we are probably getting to 80 per cent of success, we do not talk about it.

    “It is all as a result of this dedication and commitment of Nigerians who have made themselves, or sacrificed themselves for the good of all of us,” he said.

    The NSA described the MAAKFC initiative as a significant step in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.

    He said that the anti-kidnapping fusion cell represents a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

    Ribadu said that the initiative underscored the critical role of international collaboration in tackling crime.

    “Kidnapping remains one of the most pressing security threats in Nigeria today. This demands a robust, multi-agency approach, which this fusion cell represents,” he said.

    Ribadu commended the fusion cell staff, emphasising the importance of their work in tackling kidnapping, and urged them to leverage their training and the diverse expertise within the team to achieve impactful results.

    He assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support, pledging adequate resources to ensure their success.

    “We have already seen the difference your work is making.”

    Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center Office of the National Adviser (NCTC-ONSA),  said the initiative would enhance security operations against kidnapping in the country.

    He said that  establishment of the  cell followed Security Defence Partnership Dialogue signed between the NSA of Nigeria and UK in 2022 in a bid to stem the rising spate of kidnapping in the country.

    Laka said that between 2022 and 2024, UK through the National Crime Agency (NCA) had partnered with the office of the NSA to provide capacity-building exercises as well as support to the National Counter-terrorism Center in a bid to set up a kidnap fusion centre.

    The national coordinator commended all the law enforcement agencies for working together to build capacity for the fusion cell, as well as the efforts in putting together a Terms of Reference and Standard Operation Procedure to guide the activities of the cell.

    He emphasized that the fusion cell was a 24/7 coordination centre and not an operational outfit which could duplicate efforts.

    He urged Nigerians to trust security agencies rather than resorting to ransom payments in kidnapping cases.

    He maintained that with the initiative in place, security would be enhanced and by 2025, Nigeria would be better.

    The NCA Operational Manager, Mr Chris Grimson, called for public awareness in the fight against kidnapping, noting that awareness is key in fighting the menace.

    Grimson thanked the Nigerian government for the partnership and stressed the importance of having solutions tailored to the needs of Nigeria and implemented by Nigerians.

    Chris Hall, the NCA Regional Manager, delivered a strong message to kidnappers, stating, “their jobs just got harder; they may have got away before, but not anymore.”

    Hall stressed the impact of the fusion cell in disrupting kidnapping operations and reaffirmed the commitment of international partners to supporting Nigeria in tackling the menace effectively.

  • NSA Ribadu hands over 58 rescued victims including kids to Kaduna Govt

    NSA Ribadu hands over 58 rescued victims including kids to Kaduna Govt

    No fewer than 58 people rescued by the Nigerian security agencies in joint operations have been handed over to the Kaduna State government.

    It was gathered that the victims comprised 35 males, 23 females, children and toodlers were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called Janbros.

    The victims were said to have made to trek for hundreds of Kilometers through the thick forest of Birnin Gwari during the kidnap.

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, handed over the victims to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who would hand them over to the government.

    Musa who affirmed that no money was paid for their rescue, presented the victims to the representative of the state government and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Kila.

    He stated that all Nigerians must take ownership of the operation for the security agencies to succeed.

    ”The rescue is as a result of combined efforts of the military and other security services. The operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic which requires efforts by all and not just the military kinetic efforts.

    “What we are seeing out of this, is the success of the collaboration right from the top. From the presidency, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence to all agencies working together, including the Kaduna State government.

    “The governor has been very supportive and very helpful and it is this collaborative effort that has made it possible for us to be able to rescue these individuals.

    “It is a joint effort and we were able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.”

    “Now, I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult for us to succeed.

    “The success depends on all of us working together because it is a whole-of-society approach,” he said.

    Musa said that certain individuals had been trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed by sabotaging the efforts of the government.

    He added that the security agencies were working round the lock tirelessly to make sure Nigerians feel safe and protected.

    “Today is Saturday, many people would have wanted to be home, relaxing, but we are working. Saturday, Sunday, day and night and all Nigerians have keyed up, and everybody is contributing to the success we are seeing.

    “I want to also inform Nigerians that we will continue to work hard together and will not leave any stone unturned until every Nigerian that is in captivity is freed and Nigerians are free to move about within the country, both day and night, as it used to be before.

    “We assure Nigerians that we are getting all the support to ensure that we work, and we assure Mr. President that we will do everything possible, and including Nigerians, until we succeed, we’ll continue to push,” he added.

    The defence chief clarified that contrary to the believes of many, not all persons involved in banditry were willing tools, adding that some were conscripted.

    He said the military would continue to go after the perpetrators, adding that “they will not be let free for the innocent blood they have shed.”

    Meanwhile, the National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj Gen Adamu Laka, said the victims were kidnapped from their homes and farmlands in Gayam, Sabon layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Laka said that troops of 1 Division, on November 14, at about 1500hrs successfully led a joint operations leading to their rescue.

    He noted that the victims comprised 35 males and 23 females.

    According to the him, preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called Janbros.

    “During the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of Kilometers through the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.

    “Upon their rescue, the government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to ONSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups, where they have been examined and six were admitted.

    “The six admitted victims have recovered and joined us for subsequent handing over to their respective families,” he said.

    The Chief of Staff to Kaduna Governor, Sani Limankila thanked the security agencies and called on all Nigerians to team up with security agencies to end kidnapping.

  • We lost one of our best – NSA eulogises Lagbaja

    We lost one of our best – NSA eulogises Lagbaja

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as one of the best military officers that Nigeria has ever produced.

    Ribadu said this during a condolence visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher and the Acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday at Defence and Army Headquarters Abuja.

    He described the late army chief as an incredible man, loyal, committed, trustworthy, compatriot and a good leader.

    According to him, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja loved his soldiers, worked for the Armed Forces and Nigeria and also loved the military.

    “I am here to condole the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the entire members of our Armed Forces, who have suffered a great loss.

    “We lost one of our best because Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja was an incredible man but that is what life is all about.

    “He has been called to a higher level and we will continue to pray for his family and those he left behind.

    “We will continue to be grateful to God for the life he led, for the service he gave, and the commitment he did for his country.

    “To our President, President Bola Tinubu, it is a very sad loss, a difficult one to feel, but we thank God for his life,” he said.

    Ribadu was accompanied by the National Coordinator, National Counter-terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka and other top officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    He had meetings with both the CDS and the Acting COAS and signed condolence registers at both Defence and Army Headquarters.