Nigeria has recorded one of its most decisive victories in the fight against terrorism following the capture of the top leaders of the notorious Ansaru group, including its commander Mahmuda.
Presidential aide on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the breakthrough on X, citing a Saturday evening security briefing delivered by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Ribadu, the arrests were made in a series of intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations carried out between May and July 2025. The missions targeted and successfully apprehended Mahmud Muhammad Usman (popularly known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), Ansaru’s self-proclaimed “Emir,” alongside his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeria (Mallam Mamuda).
“These two men have remained on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and were equally flagged by the US, UK, and UN,” Ribadu stated.
Profiles of the Captured Terrorists
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Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar): Recognized as the overall leader of Ansaru, he coordinated sleeper cells across the country and orchestrated high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to bankroll terrorism.
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Mahmud al-Nigeria (Mallam Mamuda): Serving as Abu Bara’s chief of staff, he led the “Mahmudawa” faction, operating around Kainji National Park (Niger/Kwara States into Benin Republic). Trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015, Mamuda specialized in advanced weapons handling and IED construction under North African jihadist trainers.
Track Record of Violence
The duo masterminded some of Nigeria’s most devastating terrorist incidents, including:
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The 2022 Kuje prison break
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The attack on the Niger uranium facility
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The 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp
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The 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura)
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The abduction of the Emir of Wawa
Their networks also maintained close ties with jihadist groups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Decisive Blow to Ansaru
Ribadu described the arrests as a turning point in Nigeria’s security efforts:
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda represents one of the most significant counterterrorism achievements in Nigeria’s history. This strike dismantles Ansaru’s leadership structure and signals the beginning of the group’s complete eradication.”
He further recalled that Ansaru, formed in 2012 as a splinter group from Boko Haram, initially branded itself as a “humane alternative” but quickly devolved into a violent Al-Qaeda affiliate. The group operated through sleeper cells in northern cities and forest strongholds, especially around Kainji National Park.
By crippling its leadership, security experts believe Nigeria has dealt Ansaru its most severe defeat since its inception, paving the way for dismantling the remaining cells.
