The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, announced on Saturday the arrest of key leaders of the ANSARU terrorist group.
He also confirmed the apprehension of leaders from the Mahmudawa terrorist faction, highlighting a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
The operation targeted the masterminds behind numerous attacks against Nigeria over the years.
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Ribadu identified the suspects as Amir Mahmud Mohammed Usman, aka Abu Baraa, and Deputy Amir Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda.
He said, “The targeted operation, which was conducted between May and July 2025, led to the capture of two top ANSARU leaders who have been responsible for masterminding several terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.”
He provided details on their activities, stating, “Abu Bara’a is the self-styled Emir of ANSARU.
He coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies to finance terrorism.
Mamuda, the Deputy, led the Mahmudawa cell around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to the Republic of Benin.
He trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors, specializing in weapons handling and IED fabrication.”
Ribadu highlighted the significance of the operation, adding, “The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism.
“This successful decapitation of the leadership dismantles the central command of ANSARU while paving the way for the complete annihilation of the group.”
He further assured the public, saying, “In the course of the operation, our security forces captured and recovered valuable actionable intelligence, including materials and digital evidence.
“The findings will support our ongoing efforts to bring them to justice and completely dismantle residual networks.”
Ribadu also praised the collaboration of agencies, stating, “I must appreciate the doggedness of the Armed Forces and all our intelligence and security agencies, who worked tirelessly and collaboratively to achieve this outcome. Finally,
“I urge all law-abiding citizens to continue to remain vigilant and volunteer timely information to security agencies for prompt action.”
