From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A group of ethnic nationalities has commended the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence and other security agencies for the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a suspect implicated in treason, gun-running, and other transnational crimes in the country.
The group, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) said the collective efforts and focus Nigerian security agencies has yielded positive result.
According to the groups in separate press statements, the operation, orchestrated by diligent security agencies, represents a remarkable achievement in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.
According to a statements issued by the President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman and the leader of the YYC, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the arrest is a “loud testimony of the vigilance of our country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru and defence minister for State; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.
“The apprehension of individuals such as Bashir Hadejiya not only protects our borders but also underscores the importance of vigilance in combating increasingly sophisticated networks of crime and terrorism. The nexus between local and international criminal enterprises calls for a fortified response from all stakeholders to dismantle these dangerous operations.
“The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.
“These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.
“The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu’s security team, specifically the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats.
“To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy.
“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for it’s efforts to protect the sovereignty of our country, we call on the Federal Government to provide the fund and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally”. The statements said.