The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, following the capture of two notorious terrorist leaders in Nigeria.
The commendation came after the DSS arrested Mahmud Muhammad Usman, self-styled “Amir of Ansaru,” and his ally, Mahmud al-Nigeri, both leaders of the Al-Ansaru and Mahmuda terrorist groups. The two had long been on the wanted lists of Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
According to MURIC, the terrorists, who had managed to evade capture for years, were arrested in a sting operation carried out between May and July 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, 18th August 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, hailed the operation as a major blow to terrorism in the country.
“Terrorism suffered a major setback with the arrest of these long-sought leaders. We must give kudos to Nigeria’s indefatigable NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, whose methodical restructuring of the security architecture has been central to the resurgence of our security agencies,” Akintola stated.
He also praised the leadership style of the DSS boss, noting that Ajayi’s approach since assuming office in August 2024 has been characterized by “silent but effective containment of security threats” rooted in professionalism.
MURIC further paid tribute to the operatives in the field, describing them as the “real heroes” of the operation.
“They are the lurking shadows at street corners, those who spend days in vehicles, those who must see but not be seen. We salute them. We appreciate their sacrifices for our great country, Nigeria,” the group noted.
The organization urged the Federal Government to invest more in equipment and welfare for security agencies, stressing that “no amount spent on security is wasted because every other sector depends on safety to function.”
Reaffirming its stance against terrorism, MURIC emphasized that violent groups do not represent Islam.
“For the umpteenth time, we decry terrorism and all forms of violence. Terrorists do not represent Muslims; they are a clog in the wheel of progress. They smear the good name of Islam and deface its image,” the statement added.
