Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian security forces.
The Igbo group spoke in reaction to the recent arrest of a Nigerian who specialises in money laundering and other transnational crimes.
It could be recalled that the man, whose name was given as one Bashir Hadejiya, was arrested by the Nigeria police following intelligence reports alleging smuggling large catches of weapons along with large bars of gold believed to have been stolen from the Central Bank of Libya.
He was also linked to the recent #EndBadGovernance protest, and confessed to sponsoring a large number of youths who participated in the just concluded #EndBadGovernance Protests in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Abuja.
Reacting through a statement made available to journalists, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the arrest was the fruit of the deep collaboration among the security agencies.
Nnabuike, who said the arrest was of great concern, stressed that, “while we commend the police for the feat, we must state that no stone should be left un-turned in unearthing those behind this trans-border criminal activities.
“His arrest is no doubt an eloquent testimony to the fruitful collaboration and capacity of the Nigerian security forces, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who have all shown serious commitment to restore security across the country.
“We must, however, note that his confession is mind boggling and should not be treated with kid’s gloves. This is a great opportunity to unravel the cabal that has been destabilizing the country, especially the North, security wise.
“There is no doubt that Bashir Hadeja is not alone; just as he confessed, this is a trans-border crime, and they have a ring. Their activities constitute a serious threat to the existence of Nigeria and this is why every effort must be made to identify his collaborators. When they are found, they must be brought to book.
“This also confirms our earlier fears when we kicked against the EndBadGovernance protest. We knew that as good as the intentions may sound, there were undercurrent dealings which could jeopardise the overall interest of the country. Our fears were justified considering the wanton destruction of properties, especially across the Northern part of the country. Hadeja’s confessional statement has also buttressed the fears."
“Having said this, our utmost fear right now lies with Hadejiya's confessions, particularly regarding his connections to influential figures in the political sphere, including allegations linking him to a former Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). This should worry every patriotic Nigerian.
“It is imperative to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be mindful of some elements who are hell bent on discrediting his government and all those around him. The president should be watchful of such mischief makers who do not mean well for his government but are agents of destabilization.
“On our part, we urge the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to continue with their collaborative efforts, which is bearing visible fruits. They should not be distracted by enemies of state, who hide under some faceless names and groups to disparage the efforts of the government and the security agencies.
“As we urge Nigerians to be more vigilant, we look forward to a comprehensive investigation of Hadejiya and his collaborators. There should be no sacred cow."
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