The Federal Government has arrested two internationally wanted terrorist commanders of the Ansaru group, a faction linked to Al-Qaeda.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists on a major counter-terrorism breakthrough.
He said the suspects, Amir Mahmud Mohammed Usman, also known as Abu Baraa, and his deputy, Amir Marmuda, were captured in a special operation conducted between May and July this year.
According to him, Abu Baraa is the self-proclaimed leader of Ansaru, while Marmuda headed a terrorist cell operating around Kainji National Park, stretching across Niger and Kwara States into Benin Republic. Ribadu revealed that Marmuda received military training in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors from North Africa.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most wanted list for years. They masterminded several deadly attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa,” Ribadu said.
He added that the suspects were also linked to the attack on the Niger uranium facility and maintained operational ties with jihadist groups across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The NSA described the operation as one of the most significant counter-terrorism successes in recent years, noting that it dealt a major blow to Ansaru’s command structure.
“The capture of Abu Baraa and Mallam Mamuda represents the most decisive strike against Ansaru since its formation. Their arrest has effectively dismantled the group’s central leadership and opened the way for its final defeat,” Ribadu stated.
He explained that valuable intelligence materials were also recovered during the operation and are now undergoing forensic analysis to help security agencies dismantle remaining terrorist cells and trace foreign collaborators.
Ribadu praised the Armed Forces, police, and intelligence agencies for their synergy in the operation. He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security operatives to aid national security efforts.
“This arrest signals the beginning of the end for terrorist leaders who think they can operate with impunity. Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, determination, and unity,” he said.
The press briefing was attended by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and heads of intelligence agencies.
