Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism efforts with the capture of the leaders of Ansaru and the Mahmudawa cell, two of the country’s most notorious extremist groups.
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, announced the development at a press briefing on Saturday evening, describing the operation as “the most decisive blow against Ansaru since its inception.”
According to Ribadu, the operation was conducted between May and July 2025, based on intelligence-led, high-risk missions coordinated by Nigerian security forces.
Those captured include:
Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) – self-styled Emir of Ansaru, coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells nationwide, and mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.
Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) – Abu Bara’s deputy and chief of staff, leader of the Mahmudawa faction operating around Kainji National Park spanning Niger and Kwara States into Benin Republic. Mamuda, Ribadu revealed, was trained in Libya (2013–2015) by jihadist instructors from North Africa, specialising in weapons and IED fabrication.
Both men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and are also wanted by the United States, United Kingdom, and United Nations for terrorism-related crimes.
Terror Attacks Masterminded
Ribadu said the two were directly responsible for:
- The 2022 Kuje Prison break in Abuja.
- The attack on Niger’s uranium facility.
- The 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina.
- The 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura.
- The abduction of the Emir of Wawa in Niger State.
They also maintained links with jihadist networks across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Ansaru’s History
Ansaru, officially known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, emerged in 2012 as a splinter faction from Boko Haram. Initially branding itself as a “humane alternative,” it later turned its focus to attacks on security forces, civilians, and infrastructure. The group adopted the logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), reflecting its ideological ties with global jihadist movements.
Decisive Victory
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda dismantles Ansaru’s central command and paves the way for its total annihilation,” Ribadu declared.
Both men are currently in custody, with security agencies describing the arrests as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
