Nigeria has scored a major counter-terrorism victory with the arrest of two of the most wanted leaders of the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru group, dismantling its central command and signaling a decisive blow against terrorism in the country.
Nigeria has successfully apprehended two top leaders of the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru terrorist group, officials confirmed on Saturday. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu revealed that Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, or Mallam Mamuda, were captured following a months-long intelligence-led operation.
Abu Bara’a, dubbed the “Emir of Ansaru,” coordinated sleeper cells nationwide and orchestrated multiple kidnappings and terrorist financing schemes. Mamuda led the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction near Kainji National Park, trained in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and are also internationally sought terrorists,” Ribadu said. “Their capture marks one of the most decisive blows against Ansaru since its emergence in 2012.”
Authorities credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic support and praised security agencies for their coordination. Ribadu added that digital evidence recovered will provide further intelligence on Ansaru’s networks in Nigeria and the wider Sahel.
“The fall of Ansaru’s leadership signals the beginning of the end of impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” he declared.