Ansaru leaders arrested in Nigeria after months-long counter-terror operation, dismantling the group’s command and recovering crucial intelligence

Ansaru leaders arrested in Nigeria following a months-long counter-terrorism operation, the Federal Government announced on Saturday. The arrests target two top figures of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

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National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu disclosed that Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) were apprehended between May and July 2025 through an intelligence-led operation.

Abu Bara coordinated terrorist sleeper cells nationwide, masterminded high-profile kidnappings, and orchestrated armed robberies to finance terrorism.

His deputy led the “Mahmudawa” cell around Kainji National Park and trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors, specializing in weapons handling and IED fabrication.

The NSA noted that the duo were behind attacks including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

They also maintain links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb.

Ribadu confirmed that the operation dismantled ANSARU’s central command, recovered critical materials and digital evidence, and marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

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Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to authorities.