The Federal Government has attributed the recent capture of wanted terrorist Mamuda and his Chief of Staff to improved intelligence sharing and coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Thursday during a ministerial briefing on preparations for Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Idris said the two suspects were currently facing legal proceedings following their capture.
According to the minister, the operation demonstrated greater cooperation between the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said Mamuda and his Chief of Staff were among individuals wanted internationally, noting that the United States was among countries that had placed bounties on their capture.
Idris said the suspects were arrested without a gun battle, which he described as evidence of improved coordination among security agencies.
“We have seen greater coordination between security agencies and this has led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, the so-called Mamuda and his Chief of Staff,” the minister said.
He added that the suspects were now in court, describing their capture as an indication of the progress being made in efforts to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities.
While highlighting what he described as improvements in the country’s security situation, Idris acknowledged that the administration had not completely resolved Nigeria’s security challenges.
He cited improved road movement between Abuja and Kaduna as one example of what he considered progress since the administration came into office in 2023.
According to him, travelling between the two cities had previously become difficult because of security concerns, whereas motorists can now make the journey more freely.
The minister, however, stressed that significant security challenges remained and that efforts to address them were ongoing.
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“Does it mean that we have solved all the security challenges in this country? No. But there is so much work in progress,” he said.
Tinubu approves more security funding, welfare measures
Idris also said President Tinubu had approved additional funding for the acquisition of platforms and equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He said the government had also approved improved salaries and welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces.
The minister described the measures as important to the morale of security personnel and their ability to carry out their responsibilities.
He maintained that continued investment in equipment, intelligence and inter-agency cooperation would remain important to the government’s efforts to confront terrorism and other security threats.