By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the arrest of two notorious Ansaru terrorist leaders.
The body also praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for strides in inclusive governance and infrastructure delivery.
Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“We do not want to be people who only grumble and accuse. We want to be people who, when we see what is right, we acknowledge it. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, deserves enormous credit for the deliberate, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of some of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists,” Hayab said.
Ribadu had announced the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, alongside his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly known as Mallam Mamuda. The arrests, achieved between May and July 2025, followed months of intelligence-led operations involving the armed forces and other security agencies.
Hayab urged sustained intelligence operations, including the unmasking of terrorist financiers, stressing that no nation can thrive in an atmosphere of division and insecurity.
On Kaduna State governance, the CAN leader commended Governor Uba Sani for ongoing road projects and inclusive policies. He noted that while some roads still require urgent attention, projects recently flagged off are proof of government’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
“We cannot expect all roads to be repaired in one day. But if the projects are executed in phases, then in the next one or two years, Kaduna people will see significant progress. While we are asking for more, we must also appreciate what has been done. That is why we say we are like Oliver Twist, thankful for what we have but asking for more,” Hayab added.
He however urged the governor to deepen inclusiveness, fairness, and equitable distribution of development projects across all communities, warning that the past culture of neglect must not be allowed to resurface.
On political appointments, Hayab welcomed recent inclusiveness but urged that qualified individuals from Northern Christian communities be allowed to serve genuinely for the progress of Kaduna and Nigeria, rather than being used against their own people.
The Northern CAN chairman also called for unity across religious and ethnic divides, saying that silence only emboldens mischief-makers, while openness and appreciation encourage leaders to do more.
