The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, over the capture of the leadership of Ansaru terrorist organisation, otherwise known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Mahmudawa terrorist group.
According to the group, the terrorist leaders are: Abubakar Abba, of the Mahmuda terror group, in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State; Mahmud Muhammad Usman, alias Abu Bara’a—the self-styled Emir of the Ansaru terrorist faction—and his Chief of Staff, Mahmud al-Nigeri, alias Mallam Mamuda.
President of BAVCCA, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said in Abuja that their arrest represented a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of strategic, intelligence-driven action.
It noted that the DSS, under DG Ajayi’s stewardship, has delivered resounding blows to terrorist networks, most notably with the arrest of the Ansaru terrorist group leaders.
The group said, “This operation, executed with surgical precision and without firing a shot, neutralised a key figure responsible for destabilising communities around Kainji National Park. Abba’s swift transfer to Abuja for interrogation showcases the DSS’s operational efficiency and commitment to dismantling terror infrastructures.
“These individuals, long thorns in Nigeria’s side due to their roles in orchestrating attacks and kidnappings, were brought to justice through meticulous joint sting operations. These successes reflect not only the DSS’s enhanced intelligence capabilities but also the strategic vision of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, whose re-engineering of Nigeria’s security framework has empowered agencies to deliver such impactful results.
“At BAVCCA, we are particularly inspired by DG Ajayi’s ‘silent but effective’ leadership style, a hallmark of his tenure since taking office in August 2024. His refusal to seek the spotlight, even as the DSS racks up monumental victories, speaks volumes about his dedication to results over recognition.
“This approach mirrors his earlier triumphs, such as the 2009 rescue of Canadian hostage Julie Ann Mulligan in Kaduna, where his coordination led to a flawless operation without ransom or loss of life. It is this brand of quiet resolve that resonates with us as content creators, who understand the power of impactful actions over mere words.
“We join voices like Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who hailed these arrests as a ‘huge victory’ for the nation and a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ending insecurity. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have also rightly praised Ajayi’s leadership and the unsung heroes of the DSS—operatives who toil in the shadows, enduring sleepless nights and unseen dangers to safeguard our communities. MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, aptly described these efforts as a ‘major blow to terrorism,’ a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo.
“As bloggers and vloggers, BAVCCA members are committed to using our platforms to amplify these victories and inspire hope among Nigerians. We call on the government to sustain support for the DSS through increased funding and resources, ensuring that these gains become the foundation for lasting peace.
“To DG Oluwatosin Ajayi and the brave operatives of the DSS: your sacrifices are the bedrock of our nation’s security. BAVCCA salutes you as the silent guardians of Nigeria’s future, and we pledge to continue telling your stories of courage and impact.”
