The National Human Rights Commission has called for swift trials of arrested Ansaru sect leaders to ensure justice.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trial of the arrested leaders of the notorious terrorist group, Ansaru, ensuring that they were held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.
The call was made on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the presentation of July 2025 Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja.
This was as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group.
In the same vein, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also applauded the government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.
Nevertheless, the Department of State Services (DSS), has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.
The DSS also refutes claim that alleged human rights violation suit triggered defendants’ arraignment, just as the court has okayed the shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity against likely harm.
Meanwhile, despite successes recorded by the nation’s security agencies, no fewer than 13 people have been killed during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu had at a press briefing, weekend, disclosed that two terrorists, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), both leaders of Ansaru sect and on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation conducted between May and July 2025.
However, Ojukwu, while lamenting the increase in killings of security personnel and auxiliary members of vigilante group, said there was urgent need to ensure that all needed apparatus were put in place to tackle insecurity, particularly terrorism in the country.
Ojukwu said: “From our observatory, we are gravely concerned by the resurgence and escalation of deadly violence in different parts of the country.
“In Sokoto, 15 men were killed in a reprisal attack by suspected members of Lakurawa. In Kebbi, a similarly tragic pattern emerged, with three police officers losing their lives in a failed abduction attempt.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the month of July represents the deadliest for vigilante groups in the country with a fatality of almost a hundred deaths. The role of vigilante in supporting our security and armed forces in the field of battle should not be lost on us.
“Their decimation portends danger for our collective security and the enjoyment of our liberties. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a failure of security, justice and accountability.
“We are seeing an increase in targeted killings of law enforcement agents; frequent kidnappings and killings by bandits; brazen acts of violence by cultist groups and widespread violations of the right to life, particularly in communities already vulnerable due to conflict and poverty.
“It is in this regard, that the National Human Rights Commission welcomes the arrests of the leaders of Ansaru, a deadly terrorist organisation which is responsible for gross human rights violations of Nigerians.
“We commend the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser for this feat. There is much we can achieve in safeguarding our citizens and human rights if agencies collaborate and adopt human rights-based approaches.
“We call on the authorities to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trials of the terrorist leaders and ensure that they are held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.
“As we salute the courage and gallantry of our intelligence and armed forces, we call on other sectors of our security and law enforcement to rise up to the responsibility of safeguarding the human rights of Nigerians currently facing attacks in Benue, Plateau, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states all of whom, based on our dashboard for July are facing dire security situations.”
Ojukwu, therefore, asked security agencies to reaffirm their commitment to professionalism and human rights in their operations; government actors to address the root causes of these violations – poverty, impunity, and weak institutional responses.
He equally asked civil society and the media to continue raising awareness and putting pressure where needed; and all citizens, he called, to speak out and stand firm against violence, injustice, and indifference.
He disclosed that in the month of July, a total of 331,035 complaints were received by the commission across the nation.
“The most prevalent issues this month relate to law enforcement and human dignity, freedom from discrimination, and economic, social, and cultural rights. These are not new issues, but their persistence underscores systemic problems we cannot normalise.
“When dignity is undermined by those tasked with upholding the law, the social contract begins to erode. When people are denied equal treatment or suffer indignities due to who they are, we all suffer a loss in our collective humanity,” he said.
However, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has commended the Nigerian government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group, linking the success to security’s professionalism.
The arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Malam Mamuda), as announced by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the NUJ said was a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
NUJ’s commendation was contained in a statement by its President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.
It states that Ansaru, a dangerous splinter faction, had been responsible for many of the country’s most brutal attacks over the past decade.
“This breakthrough, which was the result of sustained intelligence efforts, shows the bravery and professionalism of our security agencies.
“The digital evidence recovered from this operation is a valuable resource for dismantling terror networks and preventing future attacks. It also reflects a more advanced security strategy that prioritizes precision, intelligence, and long-term national security.
“The NUJ salutes the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our country safe. “We urge the government to continue supporting our security institutions and ensure that justice is served quickly and transparently.
“Terrorism threatens our peace, development, and democratic values. As journalists and defenders of the public interest, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Nigeria.
“We encourage all Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security efforts, and resist narratives that seek to divide us. Together, we will overcome.”
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also applauded the federal government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.
Deputy Director of General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs Ogechi Daniel, gave this applause when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.
She affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara State.
The IOM Deputy Director-General also highlighted the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and working in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders.
She noted that IOM provides technical support in border management and early warning systems and maintains a field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
She further disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration.
While appreciating the federal government for creating the space for IOM to operate in Nigeria, Mrs Daniel reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons with a focus on development.
She stressed that joint research collaboration would be critical in ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.
In his response, the CDS welcomed her to the Defence Headquarters and acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North-East.
He emphasised the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders in advancing peace and stability despite the challenges of limited funding.
“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” General Musa noted.
He said the visit underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.
Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke, James Sowole and Francis Sardauna
