The Nigerian Government has confirmed the capture of two top leaders of Ansaru, the Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the country, following a months-long intelligence-led operation.
Briefing journalists at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said security forces arrested Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (also known as Mallam Mamuda).
According to him, the duo have long been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list and are accused of orchestrating several high-profile terrorist attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and multiple kidnappings for ransom.
Ribadu disclosed that Mamuda, who trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors, specialised in weapons handling and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication.
”Together with Abu Bara’a, they spearheaded terror networks across northern Nigeria, particularly around Kainji National Park, and maintained active links with extremist groups across the Sahel.
“The capture of Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda marks the most decisive blow against Ansaru since its inception,” Ribadu said, describing the success as a testament to Nigeria’s growing counter-terrorism capability and improved inter-agency synergy.
“Security forces also recovered a cache of materials and digital evidence currently undergoing forensic analysis to dismantle remaining Ansaru cells and disrupt their international collaborators.”
Ansaru, formed in 2012 as a splinter from Boko Haram, initially projected itself as a “humane alternative” but quickly turned to targeting civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. The group later declared allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its broader jihadist alignment.
The NSA lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support and praised the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies for their role in the breakthrough. He assured Nigerians that the fall of Ansaru’s leadership signals the “beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders.”
The public was urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies as Nigeria pushes toward the complete dismantling of Ansaru’s networks.
For his part, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, applauded the security agencies and emphasised that the Tinubu administration remains committed to protecting lives and property.
He said recent coordinated operations underscore the unity of the Armed Forces and security agencies.
The Minister, therefore cautioned the Nigerian media against amplifying the activities of terrorists, urging journalists instead to spotlight the sacrifices of security forces working to keep the country safe.
“Publishing or glorifying terrorist activities only emboldens criminals who seek to destabilise the country.
“We must not give prominence on our front pages or headlines to terrorist criminals who are trying, day and night, to deny Nigerians peace. Instead, we should highlight the men and women working tirelessly to ensure Nigerians can sleep safely in their homes.”
Idris noted that security agencies have demonstrated greater collaboration under the guidance of the NSA, countering perceptions of disunity within the system.
He added that tackling insecurity is not just the duty of the Armed Forces or security agencies, but a collective responsibility of all Nigerians
PIAK