News

Ribadu and the fall of Ansaru

Published

3 months ago

August 20, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Ribadu and the fall of Ansaru

By Senator Iroegbu

Nigeria’s security landscape has begun to shift. Terrorists are surrendering, warlords are falling, oil production is recovering, and communities once silenced by fear are slowly reclaiming public space. The latest and perhaps most consequential breakthrough is the capture of two of the most notorious terrorist kingpins in northern Nigeria. The resilience and determination of the Nigerian people in the face of such challenges are genuinely inspiring.

After months of painstaking intelligence work, Nigerian security forces apprehended Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (Malam Mahmuda)—the mastermind of the Mahmuda terrorist group that had long tormented Borgu, a geo-cultural region stretching across Niger, Kebbi, northern Kwara, and spilling into the Benin Republic. Their arrest has effectively dismantled the command structure of the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru group, notorious for kidnappings, assassinations, and extremist propaganda. For years, Ansaru posed a unique threat—blending local grievances with global jihadist networks, staging ambushes on highways, and attacking security convoys with deadly precision.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu deserves enormous credit for steering this operation with quiet resolve. Working in concert with the armed forces and intelligence agencies, Ribadu helped deliver what is already being described as one of Nigeria’s most consequential counter-terrorism successes. In a climate where victories against terror too often feel fleeting, the neutralisation of Ansaru’s leadership stands as a rare and decisive breakthrough. Public affairs analyst Farooq Kperogi aptly described it as “a visible, heartening crack in the wall of impunity that these blood-sucking monsters of depravity had built for themselves.”

Of course, terror will not vanish overnight. Ansaru’s lieutenants remain scattered, and other criminal syndicates continue to plague highways, villages, and farmlands. But the symbolism of this victory is profound: Nigeria has shown that with patience, intelligence, and coordination, even the most entrenched terror networks can be cut down.

This progress builds on broader gains since mid-2023. According to official data, between May 2023 and early 2025, security forces neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists and armed criminals, while over 124,000 insurgents and their families surrendered. More than 11,000 hostages were freed and 3,843 illegal refineries dismantled, choking off vital lifelines of both terror and economic sabotage.

In the North West, the phenomenon of mass abductions has declined sharply, aided by the elimination of notorious bandit warlords like Ali Kachalla, Halilu Sububu, and Boderi. The North East theatre, once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP, has seen insurgent capacity steadily degrade, with fighters surrendering in their thousands—a scenario unimaginable just a few years ago.

In the Niger Delta, oil production has rebounded to 1.8 million barrels per day, the highest in years, after a concerted clampdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Meanwhile, in the South East, the once-feared “sit-at-home” orders imposed by armed separatists are losing their grip, with commercial and social life gradually returning.

Nigeria has also moved to secure its virtual borders. Cybercrime crackdowns and the rollout of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan reflect a recognition that the wars of today are waged as much in cyberspace as in forests and villages.

And yet, challenges remain. Kidnappings, though reduced in some areas, still plague highways. Displaced farmers remain reluctant to return to their fields, worsening food insecurity. Cross-border arms trafficking, climate change pressures, and adaptive criminal networks all complicate the security equation. The capture of Ansaru’s kingpins is a breakthrough—but unless sustained, it risks becoming another high point in a cycle of boom and relapse.

The road ahead requires more than battlefield victories. Nigeria needs a whole-of-society strategy that pairs military gains with governance reforms, political dialogue, and economic inclusion. Intelligence-driven policing, regional cooperation to secure porous borders, and genuine community engagement are essential. Equally important is building public trust through transparency, accountability, and consistent leadership—without which victories risk evaporating into disillusionment. The need for these sustained, holistic strategies is urgent and cannot be overstated.

The dismantling of Ansaru’s leadership shows what is possible when political will aligns with operational discipline. It is a moment worth celebrating, not because the war is over, but because it proves progress is achievable. Nigeria has long been accustomed to headlines dominated by violence and loss; this capture offers a different kind of story—a reminder that the tide, however slowly, can turn.

The actual test is whether this victory will be treated as an isolated success or as a launchpad for more profound, systemic change. If Nigeria sustains this momentum—combining security with justice, economic opportunity, and social cohesion—the shadow of insecurity need not define the nation’s future. The potential for more profound, systemic change is within reach, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging situation.

For now, the fall of Ansaru’s terror lords is a decisive crack in the edifice of impunity. It must not be the last.

Again, it is worth noting that the federal government has revitalised programmes such as the National Park Service’s Forest Guard initiative, to reclaim forests used as criminal hideouts, which is promising. However, these measures will yield little if they are not anchored in transparency, consistency, and shared responsibility across federal, state, and local levels. Security, as the old saying goes, is everybody’s business. Communities must actively participate in their protection, and civic leaders must work to bridge the gap between citizens and the security apparatus.

Nigeria’s security journey is far from over, and the path is still treacherous. Yet the evidence of the past eighteen months suggests that progress is possible when political will, strategic clarity, and operational discipline align. For a country long accustomed to headlines dominated by pervasive insecurity, these gains, however fragile, are a reminder that the tide can be turned. But it will require vigilance to guard against complacency, foresight to address root causes, and courage to confront those who profit from instability. Only then can Nigeria hope, not just to contain insecurity, but to end the cycle and build the foundation for lasting peace.

Iroegbu, a journalist and security and public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

Ribadu and the fall of Ansaru

Education

Adamawa, GPE open bid for 14 projects

Published

9 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Adamawa, GPE open bid for 14 projects

Adamawa Government with Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has opened a bid for 14 projects to upgrade Mega Science Technical School, Gulak to College of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studies (COTIES).

Speaking at the bid opening, in Yola, Hajiya Aisha Umar, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, said the government was committed to ensuring due process was followed when contracting projects.

“That’s why we are here today, to at least show the world that we are doing the right thing.

“I’m expecting that the right people will be awarded the contract; those that are here, and those that complied with the rules and regulations,” she said.

Umar said that 45 companies have currently bidded for 15 categories of the projects.

Umar assured that they would observe transparency in selecting those that would do the contract.

In his remarks, Mr Faruq Adamu, Procurement Officer, identified the 14 projects as the construction of electro-mechanical services and perimeter fencing of Hong and Lamurde Mega Science Schools.

The construction of four Block of 80-Room Hostels with Porter’s Lodge, Common Room and toilets each are among the projects.

Others are the Construction of one Block of 4-Bedroom Bungalow with One-Bedroom Boys’ Quarters, and one Block of 3-Bedroom semi-detached Bungalow for Rector and Deputy Residences in Gulak.

Adamu added that fencing of Hong and Lamurde as well as additional Electro-Mechanical Services were among the work to be done.

Responding on behalf of the contractors, Mr Adamu Umar, appreciated the state government for following due process and transparency.

He assured that, as professionals, they would abide by all the guidelines for a successful business

Adamawa, GPE open bid for 14 projects

News

Eliminating NTDs key to Gombe’s economic growth, better health outcomes – -Stakeholders

Published

9 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Eliminating NTDs key to Gombe’s economic growth, better health outcomes – -Stakeholders

Some stakeholders in the health sector have called for more actions and investments as part of efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Gombe State.

They stated that eliminating NTDs would result in significant economic benefits through increased productivity while reducing health risks amongst residents of the state.

They highlighted the benefits of an NTDs-free status for the State on Tuesday in Gombe, during a Media Dialogue on NTDs Elimination in Gombe State.

The meeting was organised by the Gombe State Government in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners.

Hajiya Hawau Abubakar, the NTDs North East Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said that “significant progress” had been made in the fight towards ending NTDs in Gombe State.

Abubakar said the commitment of the state government and support from the Federal Government and other development partners towards the elimination of NTDs was good for the health of citizens in the state.

She stressed that an NTDs-free status for Gombe would impact positively on the wellbeing of children and residents as well as the economic profile of the state.

“Eliminating NTDs will help improve social outcomes like education while eradicating NTDs-related obstacles that prevent children from growing and fulfilling their potential in life.

“These diseases affect the poor, so their elimination can significantly reduce poverty, improve overall health, and support progress on multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

According to her, NTDs like lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and trachoma can lead to permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and blindness.

She stated that eliminating NTDs would help prevent the above consequences while preserving physical function and quality of life.

Mr Hilary Adie, the NTD National Consultant, UNICEF said eliminating NTDs would help improve on the wellbeing of children, stressing that for every adult affected by river blindness, a child is assigned to lead them, and “this would affect the child in every way.”
Adie said that severe disabilities and disfigurements associated with NTDs impose a significant burden on countries, limiting their citizens’ ability to reach their full potential.

“The impact of NTDs goes beyond health, deterring economic growth and resulting in billions of United States dollars in lost productivity annually,” he said.

“Eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) significantly reduces health risks by preventing severe illness, disability, and premature death, while also breaking the cycle of poverty and improving overall public health infrastructure and socioeconomic development.

“By reducing illness and improving cognitive development, NTD elimination leads to better school attendance and performance in children.

“In adults, it increases productivity and earning potential by reducing workdays lost to illness and disability.

On her part, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi said that Gombe State would gain a lot from eliminating NTDs in the state.

Rafique saidthat one of the ways of eliminating NTDs in the state was to attain open defecation free status for Gombe State, hence stressing the need for an integrated approach to ending NTDs.

She said that since NTDs were preventable, there should not be a reason for anyone to suffer from the disease in Gombe State and Nigeria.

She called for an integrated approach of using community-based social mobilisation to improve health outcomes by promoting better water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in the state.

The UNICEF official commended efforts of the government and all stakeholders while stressing the need for more efforts to eliminate NTDs because of its impact on children and society generally.

She urged residents of the state to complement efforts at eliminating the NTDs by “preventing themselves and their families from having contacts with flies and mosquitoes.”

While commending media roles in efforts to eliminate NTDs, She said journalists were “the main game changer” in the task towards ensuring more awareness that would result in behavioural change.

Mrs Maryam Umar, the Programme Manager of Amen Health Care and Empowerment Foundation stated that with the partnership of the state government and development partners, the state had recorded huge success in effort to end NTDs particularly onchocerciasis, (River blindness) Lymphatic filariasis, (Elephantiasis) and Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia ) which are the three most common NTDs in Gombe State.

Umar said that, “an NTD free Gombe is not just a health outcome, it is an economic imperative and a pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),”she said.

Eliminating NTDs key to Gombe’s economic growth, better health outcomes – -Stakeholders

News

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Environment Minister Over Loss Of Mother

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Environment Minister Over Loss Of Mother

Describes the late Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal’s demise as great loss to Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, led the Federal Government’s delegation on a condolence visit to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at his Zaria family residence in Kaduna State to commiserate with the Lawal family over the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal, at the age of 93.

Senator Shettima, who said the delegation was in the state at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend condolences to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Minister and the entire Zazzau Emirate, described the passing of Hajiya Dayyabatu, as a great loss to the entire nation.

“We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal over the demise of the matriarch of the family, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal,” he said.

“May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus give her family and the good people of Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, at large, the fortitude to bear the loss.

“May Allah continue to unite the people of Zazzau Emirate and may peace continue to reign in Kaduna State and Nigeria in general,” he stated.

Before proceeding to the Minister’s family residence on arrival in the ancient city of Zaria, VP Shettima stopped at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, HRH, Alhaji Bamalli, to pay homage and extend President Tinubu’s condolences to the royal father.

At the Emir’s palace, the Vice President prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of Hajiya Dayyabatu, who was also a respected mother to the entire Emirate, “eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus, and also give her family, the good people of Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State at large, the fortitude to bear the loss”.

Earlier in his remark, the Emir of Zazzau, who thanked Senator Shettima for the visit, commended him for his love and concern for the people of Zazzau Emirate, as well as Kaduna State, just as he extolled the VP’s leadership qualities.

He said, “Your presence here today has brought comfort and strength, while we mourn the passing of my beloved mother, who had lived a life worthy of emulation. Your support is a testament to the values of leadership, solidarity and compassion of a leader. We thank you most sincerely for your presence here today and leadership style.”

On the Federal Government delegation led by the Vice President are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Special Adviser on General Duties to the President (Office of the Vice President), Dr Aliyu Umar Modibbo; Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, and Hon. Yusuf Galambi.

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Environment Minister Over Loss Of Mother