Peter Obi Applauds Security Forces, Calls for Justice on Arrested Terror Suspects

• Peter Obi praised security forces for arresting Ansaru leaders; urged justice and better support to sustain anti-terrorism momentum

• Labour Party admits screening flaws causing defections; accuses rival APC of sabotaging candidates in by-elections, pledging reforms ahead of 2027

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised Nigerian security forces for their recent successes against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He described their efforts as a testament to their commitment to protecting the nation.

His remarks followed the arrest of two top leaders of the Ansaru terror group — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda).

The suspects were linked to several deadly attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 Niger uranium facility attack, and major kidnappings such as the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and a French engineer in Katsina.

Posting on his X handle, Obi hailed the arrests as a “remarkable feat and a step in the right direction.” He commended the courage of security operatives who, despite difficult conditions, risk their lives for national peace. Obi also urged the government to provide them with better training, equipment, and motivation to sustain the momentum.

However, the former Anambra governor warned against releasing arrested terrorists without trial. He stressed that recycling suspects back into society without justice only fuels insecurity. “Justice must take its full course so that impunity is not encouraged,” Obi said. He further noted that security remains the foundation of national development and called for stronger leadership and political will to end terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) is facing internal challenges. Its Interim Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, admitted that the wave of defections after the 2023 elections was caused by the party’s failure to properly screen incoming members. She assured that reforms are underway to ensure only genuine candidates committed to LP’s ideology will represent the party.

The party also accused the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of working with the APC to block LP candidates from participating in last weekend’s by-elections. Interim National Secretary, Prince Toni Akeni, described the exclusion as a “conspiracy” against the party’s growing popularity.

He added that the decision violated the Supreme Court’s ruling, which recognised Usman’s leadership. Akeni apologised to LP candidates who were denied participation, urging them to remain committed to the party’s ideology and future elections.

With 2027 in view, the interim leadership pledged to work with Peter Obi, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Governor Alex Otti, and other elected members to reposition the party as a strong force for good governance in Nigeria.