Nigeria’s counter-terrorism forces have dealt a major blow to the Al-Qaeda–linked terrorist network Ansaru, with the arrest of its self-styled leader and his deputy in high-risk intelligence operations.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed on Saturday that Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the proclaimed “Emir” of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), were captured between May and July 2025 in a series of intelligence-led missions.
“These men, wanted internationally, are now in custody,” Ribadu declared, adding that they had spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and strategic infrastructure across Nigeria.
Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Bara’a): Coordinated Ansaru sleeper cells nationwide and masterminded high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies that financed terrorism.
Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda): Trained in Libya (2013–2015) under foreign jihadists, specialized in weapons handling and IEDs. He commanded the “Mahmudawa” cell operating in Kainji National Park across Niger and Kwara States into Benin Republic.
Ribadu said both men were central to Ansaru’s operational ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), pointing to their adoption of AQIM’s “setting sun” logo in 2012 as proof of ideological alignment.
The NSA listed major attacks linked to the duo, including: The 2022 Kuje prison break in Abuja, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the attack on Niger’s uranium facility and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa in Niger State.
“These arrests are not just symbolic victories,” Ribadu said, “they represent the dismantling of Ansaru’s leadership structure that has plagued Nigeria for more than a decade.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to rally behind security forces, stressing that public support was vital to sustaining gains against terrorism.
He also cautioned the media against amplifying extremist propaganda:
“Terrorism feeds on publicity. We must resist narratives that glorify criminals and instead focus on government’s successes in restoring peace and stability.”