In a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, security agents have arrested two high-ranking leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. The arrests come following a months-long intelligence-led operation.
The detained individuals are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, who held the title of self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, referred to as Mallam Mamuda. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced the arrests at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, emphasizing the operation’s strategic planning and execution.
Ribadu revealed that the operation, conducted between May and July 2025, involved collaboration with various security and intelligence agencies. He described Abu Bara’a as a key figure who coordinated terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and orchestrated numerous high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies to finance terrorist activities.
Mamuda, the NSA noted, had previously trained in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors and led a cell known as “Mahmudawa” in the Kainji National Park area. This cell has been implicated in several terrorist plots, further complicating Nigeria’s security landscape.
“These two individuals have long been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list and are also sought internationally,” Ribadu stated. He cited their involvement in multiple terror incidents, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in 2013.
The arrest of these leaders is seen as a pivotal moment in dismantling Ansaru’s central command structure. Ribadu underscored the importance of public vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism, the successful capture of these key figures represents a crucial step in bolstering national security and restoring peace in affected regions.
