By Farooq Kperogi

I just learned that after months of painstaking intelligence work, authorities have apprehended Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Malam Mahmuda, the man behind the Mahmuda terrorist group that has been tormenting my people in Borgu, a geo-cultural space that stretches from Kebbi through Niger and northern Kwara and spills into northern and central Benin Republic.

Their arrest has effectively dismantled the command structure of the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru group, notorious for audacious kidnappings, attacks, and terror campaigns across northern Nigeria.

This is personal to me on so many levels. A major news organization has asked me to investigate and write on the so-called Mahmuda group that operates in Borgu. In my inquiries from my folks back home, I found that no one even knew what the “Mahmud” whose name the group bears looked like.

The mystery surrounding him, and the fear he inspires, left me with more questions than answers.

Even worse, it always tore me apart when, instead of providing me with the information I sought to write my article, people I spoke with pleaded for my help in containing the terrorists. They assumed that my relative national visibility meant I could reach government officials who might intervene.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. So, I felt helpless in the face of the dire desperation and helplessness of my people, which is why this breakthrough is especially heartwarming for me.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu deserves enormous credit for the quiet, deliberate, intelligence-driven operation that led to this victory.

He worked with our armed forces and intelligence agencies to deliver one of Nigeria’s most consequential counter-terrorism successes. In a climate where victories against terror often feel fleeting, this achievement stands out.

That Ribadu and his team have now captured these men is profoundly reassuring. For the people of Borgu, who have lived under the shadow of this threat for months, there is reason to breathe a little easier today.

Terror will not vanish overnight, but this is a turning point. It’s a visible, heartening crack in the wall of impunity that these blood-sucking monsters of depravity had built for themselves.

Of course, there is still so much more work to be done. Our country remains vulnerable, the bloodthirsty lieutenants of these homicidal beasts are still out and about, and true security will require sustained effort, vigilance, and justice.

But when a decisive blow like this is struck against those who prey on innocent lives, we must acknowledge it. Today, I join countless others in saluting this victory and in hoping that it marks the beginning of more to come.

By Our Correspondent
A major tragedy was over the weekend averted in Onitsha, Anambra State when a 25-year-old indigene of Amasiri, Afikpo in Ebonyi state, Henry Okoroagwu jumped into the river Niger.

Okoroagwu who suddenly climed the railings of the bridge in broad daylight and jumped into the river out of frustration was said to have been rescued by a team of local boat riders and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) after passersby and bystander raised alarm.

The passerby’s alarm prompted a very quick and professional response from rescue officials and boat operators nearby who immediately swung into action.

Confirming the incident to Daily Echoes Media,the Unit Head of Marine at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engineer Omishola said that his team quickly mobilized to the scene after being alerted.

According to him, their timely intervention was crucial in saving the young man from drowning.

A local boat operator, Mr. Peter Okenye, who was among the rescuers said that they rushed towards the victim after noticing him in the water.

He said, “By the time we reached him, he was already going under. It was by God’s grace that we pulled him out alive. I thank God for using us to save yet another life.

Speaking after his rescue, the survivor, Henry admitted that frustration and hopelessness pushed him to attempt suicide.

He disclosed that he is the sixth child of his family and has been feeling overwhelmed by personal struggles.

Okoroagwu was handed over to the NIWA Police Command after his rescue for further care and evaluation.

The incident has stirred emotional reactions on social media, with many describing it as a wake-up call on the need to pay more attention to issues of depression and mental health.

Meanwhile, residents of Onitsha have commended NIWA’s rescue team and the boat operators, saying that their intervention prevented what could have been another dark day at the River Niger.

By Our Correspondent

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recent ruling by a Canadian Federal court that erroneously designated certain political parties in Nigeria as “terrorist organizations.”

The declaration was in pursuance of a case involving a Nigerian, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and applied for inland refugee status under the immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada.

This baseless classification according to a statement  issued to journalists by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Kimiebi Ebinefa on Friday,  is not only reckless but also constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.

According to the statement, “the court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found wanting. The larger ramification of the decision is that every member of the mentioned political parties is a potential terrorist, and that is completely false and unacceptable.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy. To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria. It further noted,”Diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue, and we urge the Government of Canada to engage with the relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify this error.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders; therefore, called on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law.

“The government further urges Nigerian nationals to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria under the pretence of seeking asylum or favours from foreign entities.”