In a major counterterrorism operation, Nigeria’s security forces have apprehended two high-ranking commanders of the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru terrorist group.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu announced the arrests on Saturday, revealing that months of intelligence operations culminated in the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Mallam Mamuda) between May and July 2025. Abu Bara’a, identified as Ansaru’s “Emir,” served as the architect of the group’s nationwide sleeper cells and orchestrated kidnappings to fund terrorist activities. His deputy, Mamuda, commanded the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction operating near Kainji National Park and received advanced jihadist training in Libya under foreign instructors.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure,” Ribadu stated.
The group, which split from Boko Haram in 2012 and pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has been responsible for numerous high-profile attacks including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the 2019 kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Umar Uba. Their operations also extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, including assaults on a Nigerien uranium facility, and included the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.
Ribadu emphasized that the arrests have “effectively dismantled Ansaru’s central command,” marking the most significant counterterrorism achievement against the group since its inception.
Security forces recovered troves of materials and digital evidence during the operation, now undergoing forensic analysis. “The findings will help us annihilate residual Ansaru networks and disrupt their foreign collaborators,” Ribadu explained.
The NSA added that: “The capture of Abu Bara’a and Mamuda signals the beginning of the end for terrorist impunity. Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision and unwavering determination.”
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