Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Nigeria has recorded one of its most significant counter-terrorism victories with the arrest of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), the Al-Qaeda-linked faction that splintered from Boko Haram in 2012.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) announced that an intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July 2025 led to the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a), Ansaru’s self-styled Emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Mallam Mamuda). Both men had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.
Formed in Kano in 2012, Ansaru presented itself as a “humane alternative” to Boko Haram but quickly turned to attacking security operatives, civilian communities, and government infrastructure.
Its adoption of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) logo confirmed its alignment with transnational jihadist movements.
The group entrenched itself in sleeper cells across northern cities and forest bases around Kainji National Park, stretching into Benin Republic.
Abu Bara’a coordinated several terror cells nationwide and masterminded high-profile kidnappings and robberies to fund operations. His deputy, Mamuda, who trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under North African jihadist instructors, led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji.
Their operations included the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on a Niger uranium facility, the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 abduction of Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa. Both men also maintained active links with groups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“The capture of Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda marks the most decisive blow against Ansaru since its inception. This stride has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group.”
Officials revealed that caches of weapons and valuable digital evidence were recovered and are undergoing forensic analysis to support further operations against Ansaru’s remnants and disrupt its foreign collaborators.
“The fall of Ansaru leadership represents the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders. Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve, and unwavering determination.”
The ONSA praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and commended the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and security agencies for their tireless work. The briefing ended with a call to citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to authorities.
