A coordinated operation by Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies has led to the arrest of two high-profile terrorist leaders in Northern Nigeria, identified as the top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), the country’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
The operation involved a joint task force comprising the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other intelligence units.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu announced the breakthrough during a press briefing held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
He revealed that the arrested individuals, Abu Baraa and Mamuda, had been on the nation’s most-wanted list for several years and were responsible for orchestrating numerous terrorist attacks and high-profile kidnappings across Nigeria.
According to Ribadu, the capture followed an intensive three-month operation spanning May to July 2025, which relied on a combination of human intelligence, surveillance, and advanced technical tracking.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu
“This operation highlights the growing sophistication and inter-agency coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture,” he said.
Abu Baraa, whose real name is Mahmud Muhammad Usman, served as the self-declared Emir of ANSARU.
He was accused of coordinating terrorist cells nationwide and masterminding several armed robberies and kidnappings to fund terrorist activities.
Mamuda, known legally as Mahmud al-Nigeri, was Abu Baraa’s deputy and chief of staff. Ribadu described him as the head of the “Mahmudawa” cell, which had been operating around Kainji National Park, covering parts of Niger and Kwara States and extending into Benin Republic.
Mamuda reportedly received jihadist training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specializing in explosives and weapons handling.
Together, Abu Baraa and Mamuda were linked to a string of high-profile attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the assault on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura).
They were also implicated in the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and maintained active connections with extremist groups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Ribadu described the arrests as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“The successful capture of Abu Baraa and Mamuda represents the most significant strike against ANSARU since its inception,” he said.
“It has effectively dismantled the group’s central command structure and sets the stage for the complete neutralization of its networks.”
Security forces reportedly recovered substantial intelligence material during the operation, including digital evidence and operational resources, which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
The NSA noted that the findings will play a crucial role in ongoing efforts to prosecute the terrorists and disrupt any remaining ANSARU cells and international collaborators.
“This operation demonstrates Nigeria’s enhanced counter-terrorism capabilities and our commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens,” Ribadu stated.
He assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would maintain a relentless focus on security.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also weighed in, urging citizens to support government efforts in securing the nation.
He cautioned the media against amplifying terrorist propaganda, emphasizing that terrorism thrives on public attention.
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