File photo: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
The Federal Government has said improved coordination among security and intelligence agencies led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, Mamuda, and his chief of staff without a shot being fired.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while responding to questions on the country’s security situation at a world press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Idris said the capture demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence sharing and coordination among the country’s security agencies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“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,” he said.
The minister added that the suspects, whom he said had attracted bounties from the United States and Europe, were captured without any gunfire.
“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,” Idris said.
The Minister, however, acknowledged that the country had not completely overcome its security challenges, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities remained a concern.
He said the Federal Government was strengthening the armed forces through additional military platforms and equipment while bringing troops closer to areas of operation.
Idris disclosed that Tinubu had increased the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12.
He said the expansion was aimed at ensuring that troops were closer to areas where security operations were required and would not have to travel long distances to confront criminal groups.
“All 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.
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 said some of the equipment, including attack helicopters and other military hardware, were only now being delivered after they had been ordered under the previous administration, noting that such procurements involved lengthy processes.
Idris said the government had also approved improved welfare and salaries for members of the armed forces, describing the measure as a morale booster for personnel.
He said the administration had equally intensified coordination among security agencies and intelligence services as part of efforts to restore normalcy in affected communities.
“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.
The minister cited improved movement between Abuja and Kaduna as an example of progress in the security situation, saying travelling along the route had become easier compared with previous years.
He, however, acknowledged that more needed to be done to address insecurity across the country.
“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 said.
He 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.
