OSOGBO, Nigeria – August 25, 2025 – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s top security chiefs for the recent arrest of ringleaders of the Ansaru terrorist network, describing the breakthrough as a “major advancement in the fight against terrorism.” In a statement issued in Osogbo, the state capital, Adeleke praised the decisive and forward-thinking approach to national security management, noting that the arrests have bolstered Osun’s security and strengthened Nigeria’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity. The governor credited sweeping reforms under Tinubu’s administration, particularly through the Office of the National Security Adviser, for enhancing the operational efficiency of the military, intelligence agencies, and other security forces. Highlighting Osun’s role as a beneficiary of these reforms, Adeleke commended the dismantling of Ansaru sleeper cells in the state through coordinated intelligence-led operations.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the counter-terrorism breakthrough, Osun’s security landscape, Nigeria’s broader security challenges, and the implications for national stability and development.
A Landmark Victory in Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s security leadership underscores a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing battle against terrorism. The arrest of key ringleaders of the Ansaru terrorist network, a splinter group of Boko Haram known for its violent activities and ideological extremism, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to curb insurgency and restore peace. Speaking in Osogbo on August 25, 2025, Adeleke described the breakthrough as “a major advancement in the fight against terrorism,” emphasizing its impact on Osun State and the broader national security landscape.
The governor attributed the success to a “decisive and forward-thinking approach to national security management” spearheaded by President Tinubu through the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. “We appreciate the President, the National Security Adviser, and the entire security leadership for their recent achievements, particularly the arrest of the Ansaru terrorist group leaders,” Adeleke said. “Similar results recorded in other counter-terrorism operations also deserve recognition. We are safer under a security leadership that acts with foresight and determination.”
Ansaru, officially known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa), emerged in 2012 as a faction of Boko Haram, focusing on kidnappings, attacks on security forces, and promoting extremist ideologies. The group has been linked to high-profile incidents, including the 2013 kidnapping of foreign workers in Bauchi and attacks on police stations in Northern Nigeria. The arrest of its ringleaders, achieved through coordinated intelligence-led operations, represents a significant blow to its operational capacity, disrupting its ability to plan and execute attacks.
Adeleke highlighted Osun State’s role as a beneficiary of these efforts, noting that sleeper cells of the extremist group were dismantled within the state. “Osun is a beneficiary of the federal security reforms,” he said. “I must commend the intelligence community for dismantling terrorist sleeper cells across the state.” His firsthand visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) underscored the professionalism and operational efficiency of Nigeria’s intelligence agencies, which have played a critical role in identifying and neutralizing threats.
The Role of Security Reforms Under Tinubu’s Administration
The arrest of Ansaru leaders is a testament to the sweeping security reforms initiated under President Tinubu’s administration, which took office on May 29, 2023. The Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu’s flagship policy framework, prioritizes security as a cornerstone of national development, recognizing that peace and stability are prerequisites for economic growth and social progress. The Office of the National Security Adviser, under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been instrumental in driving these reforms, enhancing coordination among security agencies and leveraging intelligence to combat terrorism.
Adeleke praised the operational efficiency of multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). “I commend the NSA, the Chief of Defence Staff, the heads of military services, the Director General of the DSS, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC for their collaboration,” he said. This multi-agency approach, combining intelligence, military operations, and community engagement, has been critical to the success of recent counter-terrorism efforts.
The reforms include increased funding for security operations, modernization of equipment, and enhanced training for personnel. The 2025 federal budget allocated 15% to defense and security, a significant increase from previous years, enabling the procurement of advanced surveillance systems, drones, and counter-terrorism technology. The establishment of joint task forces, such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Safe Haven in the North-Central region, has improved coordination and response times, reducing the operational space for terrorist groups like Ansaru.
In Osun, these reforms have translated into tangible outcomes. The state, located in Nigeria’s South-West region, has historically been less affected by terrorism compared to the North-East, where Boko Haram and its affiliates have been most active. However, the presence of sleeper cells—covert groups that remain dormant until activated—posed a latent threat. The dismantling of these cells through intelligence-led operations demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive measures and underscores Osun’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework.
Osun’s Security Landscape
Osun State, with a population of approximately 4.7 million (2006 Census, with estimates suggesting growth), is a culturally rich and economically vibrant region known for its historical significance and agricultural potential. While the state has not been a primary hotspot for terrorism, it has faced security challenges, including communal clashes, cultism, and occasional spillover from regional insurgencies. The presence of Ansaru sleeper cells in Osun highlights the group’s ambition to expand its influence beyond Northern Nigeria, targeting the South-West to exploit vulnerabilities and destabilize communities.
Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritized security since taking office in November 2022, aligning with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The state has invested in community policing, collaborating with the Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established in 2020 to address localized threats. Adeleke’s visit to the DSS underscored his hands-on approach to security, as he witnessed the agency’s efforts to monitor and neutralize threats. “I visited the secret police and witnessed firsthand the excellent work they are doing to keep us safe,” he said, highlighting the importance of intelligence in maintaining Osun’s stability.
The arrest of Ansaru leaders has bolstered Osun’s security, enabling residents to engage in economic activities without fear. Agriculture, which employs over 70% of the state’s workforce, has benefited from increased stability, with farmers able to access their lands and markets. The state’s tourism sector, centered on cultural landmarks like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, has also seen renewed confidence, attracting visitors and boosting revenue.
Nigeria’s Broader Security Challenges
The arrest of Ansaru leaders must be contextualized within Nigeria’s broader security landscape, which remains complex and multifaceted. The country faces a range of threats, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, separatist agitations in the South-East, and communal clashes in the North-Central region. The Nigeria Security Tracker, maintained by the Council on Foreign Relations, reported over 8,000 deaths from violent incidents in 2024, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
Terrorism, particularly from groups like Ansaru, has had devastating impacts on Nigeria’s economy and social fabric. The North-East, where Boko Haram has been most active, accounts for 60% of Nigeria’s 12.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The economic cost of insecurity is estimated at $40 billion annually, equivalent to 10% of Nigeria’s GDP, per the World Bank. Insecurity has disrupted agriculture, trade, and investment, exacerbating poverty, which affects 38.9% of Nigerians (World Bank, 2022).
Economic pressures compound these challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a headline inflation rate of 21.88% in July 2025, driven by a 22.74% food inflation rate, making basic necessities unaffordable for many. The naira’s 41.4% depreciation in 2024 has increased the cost of imported goods, while the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 26.75% Monetary Policy Rate has raised borrowing costs, limiting investment in security and development. The 30% out-of-school rate among children (UNICEF, 2023) and a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 live births further highlight the social toll of insecurity.
Stakeholder Reactions
Governor Adeleke’s commendation of the counter-terrorism breakthrough elicited widespread praise from stakeholders. Security analyst Dr. Chinedu Okeke described the arrests as “a game-changer for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.” “The dismantling of Ansaru sleeper cells in Osun shows the power of intelligence-led operations,” he said. “The NSA and security agencies deserve applause.”
Community leaders in Osun expressed gratitude for the enhanced security. “We can now farm and trade without fear,” said Chief Adebayo Ogunleye, a traditional ruler in Osogbo. “The governor’s leadership and federal support have made a difference.” Farmers’ associations, such as the Osun State Agricultural Development Association, noted increased agricultural activity, with member Amina Suleiman stating, “The arrest of these terrorists has given us confidence to expand our farms.”
However, some stakeholders called for sustained efforts. “While this is a victory, we must remain vigilant,” said Imam Yusuf Ahmed of the Osun Muslim Community. “Terrorism thrives on complacency.” Civil society groups, like the Osun Peace Network, urged investment in youth employment to prevent radicalization, with spokesperson Funmi Adewale stating, “Jobless youth are vulnerable to extremist groups.”
Implications for Osun and Nigeria
The arrest of Ansaru leaders has far-reaching implications for Osun and Nigeria. In Osun, enhanced security could boost agriculture, tourism, and investment, supporting the state’s economy, which contributes 2% to Nigeria’s GDP. The dismantling of sleeper cells reduces the risk of attacks, fostering stability in a region critical to Nigeria’s South-West.
Nationally, the breakthrough strengthens Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence and coordination. It could deter other extremist groups, reducing violence and enabling development in affected regions. The success aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, enhancing public confidence in Tinubu’s administration.
Globally, the arrests signal Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism, potentially attracting support from partners like the United States and the United Nations. Increased stability could also boost foreign direct investment (FDI), which fell to $3.3 billion in 2024 (UNCTAD), supporting economic recovery.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges include:
Persistent Threats: Other terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active, requiring sustained operations.
Economic Pressures: Inflation (21.88%) and naira depreciation (41.4%) limit funding for security and development.
Social Vulnerabilities: Poverty and unemployment fuel radicalization, necessitating social programs.
Coordination Gaps: Ensuring seamless collaboration among agencies remains critical.
Opportunities include job creation through agriculture, increased FDI, and enhanced global standing. Osun’s success could serve as a model for other states, strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Policy Recommendations
Sustain Intelligence Operations: Expand intelligence networks to prevent new sleeper cells.
Invest in Youth: Create jobs and education programs to counter radicalization.
Enhance Funding: Allocate more resources to security agencies for equipment and training.
Promote Community Policing: Strengthen Amotekun and community engagement in Osun.
Address Economic Barriers: Advocate for policies to curb inflation and stabilize the naira.
Conclusion
Governor Adeleke’s commendation of President Tinubu and security chiefs for the arrest of Ansaru leaders highlights a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Osun’s role in dismantling sleeper cells underscores the effectiveness of federal security reforms and local collaboration. In a context of economic and social challenges, this breakthrough enhances stability, boosts agriculture, and supports Nigeria’s development goals. By sustaining intelligence operations, investing in youth, and addressing economic pressures, Nigeria can build on this success, fostering a safer and more prosperous future.
