The United States government has commended Nigeria for capturing two senior members of AI-Qaeda – linked Ansaru terrorist group. Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, alias Mallam Mamuda, were apprehended in a high-risk, intelligence – led operation conducted between May and July 2025.
According to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Abu Bara’a served as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, coordinating terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and armed robberies to fund terrorism. Mamuda, on the other hand, acted as his Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander, leading the “Mahmudawa cell” around Kainji National park.
The captured leaders were behind several high-profile attacks, including:
– Notable Attacks:
* 2022 Kuje Prison Break: Freed dozens of Boko Haram inmated in Abuja
*Attack on Niger Uranium Facility: A critical infrastructure attack
* 2013 Abduction of French Engineer Francis Collomp: Kidnapped in Katsina
* 2019 Kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba: Magajin Garin Daura was abducted
* Abduction of Emir of Wawa: Demonstrates their reach and influence.
The US Mission in Nigeria described the arrests as “a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism”. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also hailed the efforts of security agencies, describing the arrests as “an extraordinary and very significant success”.
The operation has been praised for dismantling Ansaru’s central command structure, paving way for the groups complete annihilation. The US, UK, and UN have all listed the two terrorists as wanted, underscoring the global concern over their activities.
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