By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the arrest of two notorious leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
CAN also praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his strides in inclusive governance and infrastructure delivery.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. He stressed that Nigerians must learn to balance criticism with appreciation whenever leaders and security agencies record tangible progress.
“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,” Rev. Hayab said.
Ribadu had earlier 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 called Mallam Mamuda. Their arrests, carried out between May and July 2025, followed months of intelligence-led operations in collaboration with the armed forces and other security agencies.
Rev. Hayab urged security operatives to sustain intelligence efforts and expose terrorist financiers, insisting that sponsors of terror must be identified and prosecuted for lasting peace to be restored.
On state matters, he lauded Governor Uba Sani for ongoing road projects and efforts to ensure inclusive governance. He noted that although many roads still require attention, the projects underway, including those recently flagged off, show progress in improving infrastructure. He encouraged the governor to fast-track execution and ensure timely completion.
“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 further urged the governor to strengthen fairness and equitable distribution of projects across communities, stressing that the culture of neglect must not be allowed to return. On political appointments, Hayab welcomed recent inclusiveness but called for more opportunities for qualified individuals from Northern Christian communities. He maintained that such appointees should be allowed to serve genuinely for the progress of Kaduna and Nigeria, rather than being used against their own people.
Rev. Hayab also appealed to Nigerians to unite across religious and ethnic lines, warning that silence only emboldens mischief-makers, while openness and appreciation encourage leaders to do more.
