By Sadiq Abdullateef
The recent arrest of two notorious Ansaru leaders, Abu Bara’a and Mahmuda, the ruthless masterminds behind countless terrorist atrocities in the North West and North Central, stands out as one of the most remarkable victories ever recorded by our gallant security forces.
If you ask me, this is undoubtedly the biggest counter-terrorism breakthrough in Nigeria’s modern history.
These men are not ordinary criminals. They are infamous warlords who have for years outsmarted security networks across Lake Chad and the wider West African sub-region.
Abu Bara’a, in particular, is no small figure, he is a top-ranking Al-Qaeda commander, listed second on Africa’s most wanted terrorists and 13th on the FBI’s global list of deadliest fugitives, only behind Iyad Ag Ghali, the dreaded Al-Qaeda kingpin in Africa.
Ordinarily, when our security forces are ambushed or suffer losses, we are quick to highlight their shortcomings in the media. But today, we must rise above criticism and give them the massive credit they truly deserve for this historic success.
It is also important to acknowledge the commitment of the President, who has invested heavily in providing the military with enhanced facilities, advanced equipment, and critical resources to prosecute this war.
This achievement is a direct reflection of those sustained efforts, and we must recognize that leadership. Those of us in the North, especially, should amplify this triumph through editorials, articles, and public commendations.
This is not just a Nigerian victory, it is a continental milestone in the global fight against terrorism. The world should understand the weight of this success.
For clarity, Mahmuda is more dangerous than four Shekaus combined, while Abu Bara’a is the equivalent of a dozen Shekaus in terms of influence, skill, and cruelty.
These men are the architects of terror, the ones who train rogue bandits, supply Boko Haram with deadly IED expertise, arm ISWAP, and spread chaos with sophisticated precision, all while carefully avoiding media spotlight.
Make no mistake, these are the true enemies of the state, and their capture is nothing short of a national triumph.
Long live Nigeria.
Long live our heroic military.
Abdullateef is the
Publisher/CEO, of News Point Nigeria
