By Peter Omopo
The United States has applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria and its security agencies for the arrest of two wanted leaders of the terrorist group, Ansaru.
The commendation came after National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed over the weekend that the arrests were made during a series of “high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations” carried out between May and July 2025.
According to Ribadu, one of those arrested is Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, who served as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru. He was identified as the coordinator of several terrorist sleeper cells across the country and mastermind of high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance the group’s activities.
Also in custody is his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda, who headed the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell. The cell is known to operate around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara states and extending into parts of the Benin Republic.
In a post on its official X handle on Monday, the US Embassy in Nigeria described the operation as a significant victory in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“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 embassy stated.
Ansaru, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to kidnappings of foreigners, ambushes on military convoys, and attacks on communities in North-West and North-Central Nigeria.
