Nigeria Captures Two Senior Ansaru Leaders in Major Counter-Terrorism Operation

Nigeria Captures Two Senior Ansaru Leaders in Major Counter-Terrorism Operation
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Nigeria has captured two of the most wanted leaders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, following a months-long intelligence-led operation, Premium Times reported. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced at a press briefing in Abuja that security forces arrested Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda, between May and July 2025.

Abu Bara’a, described as the “Emir of Ansaru,” coordinated sleeper cells across the country and oversaw kidnappings and financing activities. Mamuda led the group’s “Mahmudawa” faction operating near Kainji National Park, having previously trained in Libya under foreign instructors.

Authorities said the arrests dismantled Ansaru’s central command structure. Both men have been linked to major attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp in 2013, and the abduction of community leaders in northern Nigeria. They are also alleged to have maintained links with jihadist groups across the Sahel.

Recovered digital evidence and materials are undergoing forensic analysis to provide further intelligence on Ansaru’s networks. Officials urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue sharing information with security agencies, stressing that the arrests represent a significant step in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.