The United States has commended Nigeria for the successful arrest of two notorious leaders of the terror group Ansaru, calling it a significant achievement in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The arrests, carried out between May and July 2025, were hailed by the US Mission in Nigeria, which described them as a major step forward in securing a safer and more stable environment for Nigerians.
In a statement released on Monday, the US Mission identified the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda. Both individuals have been key figures in Ansaru, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, and were wanted by multiple international agencies, including the United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The operation that led to their capture was described as a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism effort conducted by Nigeria’s security forces.
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed that the two terrorists have been responsible for several major terrorist attacks across Nigeria over the years. Ribadu highlighted their role in masterminding a series of high-profile kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent activities to finance terrorism. The suspects were linked to several deadly incidents, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp, and the May 2019 abduction of prominent businessman Alhaji Musa Umar Uba.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. Their operations include the attack on critical infrastructure and the kidnapping of prominent figures in the country,” said Ribadu. “Their capture marks a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, effectively dismantling the core leadership of Ansaru.”
Mahmud Muhammad Usman, known by several aliases, is described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru and the mastermind behind the group’s operations. He was responsible for coordinating various terrorist sleeper cells across the country. Meanwhile, his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led a group of militants known as the ‘Mahmudawa’ cell, which operated in the Kainji National Park region, spanning Niger, Kwara, and even parts of the Benin Republic.
Ansaru, which emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram in 2012, initially positioned itself as a “humane alternative.” However, it soon became notorious for its violent acts targeting Nigerian security forces, civilians, and government installations. The group declared its allegiance to Al-Qaeda in 2012 and has since been responsible for a range of high-profile attacks, including the abduction of foreign nationals and ambushes on military convoys.
The group’s operations were not limited to Nigeria; it also maintained active links with other terrorist organizations across the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Despite its relative underground presence compared to other groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, Ansaru’s resurgence in recent years has raised concerns among security analysts. Ribadu confirmed that Ansaru had been regrouping in forest hideouts in northern Nigeria, particularly around the Kainji National Park, which straddles both Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
With the arrest of Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda, experts believe that the group has suffered a major setback. This marks one of the most decisive blows against Ansaru since its formation, potentially leading to the group’s complete dismantling. The Nigerian government has expressed confidence that this victory will pave the way for further successes in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“The successful decapitation of Ansaru’s leadership is a major milestone,” Ribadu added. “This strike has weakened their command structure, and it paves the path for the complete annihilation of the group.”
The United States has applauded this achievement and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. The US Embassy in Nigeria extended its congratulations to the Nigerian government and security agencies for their efforts, emphasizing that such operations were critical in combating violent extremism in the region.
