Nigeria has recorded a landmark success in the fight against terrorism with the capture of Ansaru and Mahmuda terrorist leaders.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Saturday evening. He confirmed that the operation took place between May and July 2025, resulting in the arrest of the two terrorists who were on Nigeria’s, the United States’, the United Kingdom’s, and the United Nations’ most-wanted lists.
Key Figures Behind Ansaru Captured
According to Ribadu, the arrests followed a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism mission. He explained that the captured men are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria.
The NSA identified the first suspect as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar. Ribadu described him as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, responsible for coordinating terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He also orchestrated numerous high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.
The second suspect, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Mallam Mamuda), served as Abu Bara’s deputy and Chief of Staff. He led the “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated around Kainji National Park across Niger, Kwara, and into Benin Republic. Ribadu revealed that Mamuda received advanced training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 from foreign jihadists, specialising in weapon handling and IED fabrication.
Long History of Deadly Attacks
Both men have been linked to multiple terror attacks on civilians, security forces, and key infrastructure. Their operations include:
The 2022 Kuje prison break
The attack on the Niger uranium facility
The 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina
The May 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura
The abduction of the Emir of Wawa
Ribadu noted that they also maintained close ties with jihadist groups across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“These arrests mark one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign,” Ribadu said. “The successful capture of Ansaru’s leadership has dismantled its central command and struck the most decisive blow against the group since its creation.”
Formed in 2012 in Kano as a Boko Haram splinter group, Ansaru initially branded itself as a more “humane” alternative. However, its agenda quickly shifted to targeting security operatives, government infrastructure, and civilian communities.
The group openly aligned with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), using its logo and tactics. Over time, it entrenched itself in sleeper cells within northern cities and forest hideouts, particularly around Kainji National Park.
With the arrest of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, security experts believe Nigeria has struck a decisive blow against one of the most dangerous terrorist networks in West Africa.
