US Hails Nigeria Over Arrest Of Top Ansaru Terror Leaders
The United States has commended Nigeria for the arrest of two wanted leaders of the Ansaru terror group, describing it as a “significant step forward” in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria identified the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda.
“We commend the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda). This is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism,” the Mission said.
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed on Saturday that the men, who had long been on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK, and the UN, were captured in a high-risk counter-terrorism operation conducted between May and July 2025.
He revealed that Usman, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, coordinated terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded several kidnappings and armed robberies to fund terrorism. Al-Nigeri, described as his deputy and Chief of Staff, led the ‘Mahmudawa’ cell in the Kainji National Park area and was trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure,” Ribadu said.
Their operations included the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on a Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura.
They were also linked to the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and maintained ties with terrorist groups across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Ribadu stressed that their capture was “one of the most significant achievements to date” in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, saying it had effectively dismantled Ansaru’s central command and dealt the most decisive blow against the group since its formation.
Ansaru, officially formed in January 2012 as a splinter faction of Boko Haram, pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and was known for kidnappings of foreigners, ambushes on security forces, and targeted killings in northern Nigeria.
Though less visible than Boko Haram and ISWAP, analysts have warned that it had been regrouping in hideouts across Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger States.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
