FG Says Intelligence Coordination Led to Capture of Wanted Terrorist Mamuda

The Federal Government has said improved intelligence coordination among security agencies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration led to the capture of suspected terrorist Mamuda and his Chief of Staff without a gunshot being fired.

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 Mamuda and his Chief of Staff were currently facing court proceedings following their recent capture.

The minister attributed the arrests to what he described as greater coordination between the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies under the Tinubu administration.

“Let me also say that during the time of Tinubu, we have seen greater coordination between security agencies and this has led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted terrorist, the so-called Mamuda and his Chief of Staff. Today, Mamuda and his Chief of Staff are having their day in court,” Idris said.

He added that the suspects were captured without any gunfire, describing the operation as an example of increased collaboration among security and intelligence agencies.

“Now these are people that nations like the United States have placed bounty’s on their heads to capture them and today they are in our custody. They were captured without one shot fired,” the minister said.

Idris said the development demonstrated the level of coordination between the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies in confronting criminal elements.

The minister, however, acknowledged that the government had not completely resolved Nigeria’s security challenges since assuming office in 2023.

He said there was still considerable work to be done, while pointing to what he described as progress in security conditions in some parts of the country.

“It’s difficult to even remember that a few years ago it was very challenging for someone who lives in Kaduna for example to come to Abuja or vice versa,” Idris said.

He added that travelling between Kaduna and Abuja had become easier, arguing that the change represented progress even though security challenges remained.

“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.

According to Idris, President Tinubu has approved funding for additional platforms and equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies since taking office.

He also said the government had approved increases in the welfare and salaries of members of the Armed Forces.

The minister said the measures had contributed to improved morale among security personnel.

The government, he added, would continue efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve coordination among agencies involved in combating terrorism and other criminal activities.