The Federal Government has announced the capture of two top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, widely known as Ansaru, in what has been described as one of Nigeria’s most significant counter-terrorism victories to date.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Saturday, August 16, 2025, officials disclosed that the high-risk, intelligence-led operation was conducted between May and July this year, leading to the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda.
Abu Bara’a, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, was said to have coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism. His deputy, Mamuda, who once trained in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors, was identified as the leader of the dreaded “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara States into Benin Republic.
According to ONSA, both men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and were directly linked to numerous terrorist attacks, including the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, the May 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura, the attack on the Emir of Wawa, the 2022 Kuje prison break, and assaults on critical infrastructure such as the Niger uranium facility.
Authorities revealed that their arrest represents the most decisive blow against Ansaru since its emergence in 2012 as a splinter group from Boko Haram. Initially positioning itself as a “humane alternative,” the group soon entrenched itself in violent attacks against civilians, security operatives, and government installations while maintaining active links with Al-Qaeda affiliates in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The operation not only dismantled the central leadership of the group but also yielded valuable intelligence, including digital evidence and weapons caches, now undergoing forensic analysis. Officials said the findings would further aid efforts to eliminate residual Ansaru networks and disrupt their foreign collaborators.
“The capture of Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda marks the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders,” ONSA declared, stressing that the achievement demonstrates Nigeria’s growing sophistication in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and inter-agency cooperation.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the Armed Forces and intelligence services for their courage and professionalism in executing the operation. He, however, cautioned the media against amplifying the propaganda of terrorist groups, noting that such coverage often serves the interests of extremists.
Alhaji Idris further appealed to Nigerians to support the government’s counter-terrorism drive by remaining vigilant and partnering with security agencies. He emphasized that national security is critical for economic growth, development, and the overall stability of the country.
The National Security Adviser also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, while appreciating the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and the media for their role in the fight against terrorism. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
“This is a decisive step forward,” he noted, “but the fight is far from over. Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve, and unwavering determination until the country is safe for all citizens.”
LV