The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strongly commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the arrest of two notorious leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
CAN also praised the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for the strides in inclusive governance and infrastructure delivery.
Speaking during interactions with journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, described the arrests as significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
He advocated that Nigerians must learn to balance criticism with appreciation whenever leaders and security agencies record tangible achievements or 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 stated.
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 known as Mallam Mamuda.
The arrests, which came after months of intelligence-led operations between May and July 2025, were achieved in collaboration with the armed forces and security agencies.
Rev. Hayab called for sustained intelligence operations and the exposure of terrorist financiers, stressing that no country can grow in an atmosphere of division and instability.
According to him, sponsors of terror must be identified and brought to justice to restore lasting peace.
On state’s matters, the Northern CAN chairman commended Governor Uba Sani for ongoing road projects and efforts to carry all communities along in governance.
He observed that while some roads in the state still require urgent attention, the ongoing projects, including the recently flagged-off ones, are indications of efforts being made to improve infrastructure. Hayab, therefore called on the governor to expedite action and ensure timely completion of the projects.
“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 said.
He, however, urged the governor to deepen inclusiveness, fairness, and equitable distribution of development projects across all communities, noting that the past culture of neglect must not be allowed to resurface.
On political appointments, Hayab welcomed recent inclusiveness but tasked the government to create more opportunities for qualified individuals from Northern Christian communities as 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 urged Nigerians to unite across religious and ethnic divides, stressing that silence only emboldens mischief-makers while openness and appreciation encourage leaders to do more.
