Nigeria terror fight gains global praise as US commends security forces for capturing Ansaru and Mahmuda leaders in a decisive counter-terrorism operation.
Nigeria terror fight has received global recognition as the United States commended the federal government for achieving a groundbreaking success in the war against terrorism.
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The commendation followed the arrest of two notorious terror leaders; Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda.
Both men were captured in a high-risk counter-terrorism operation carried out between May and July 2025.
At a press briefing on Saturday, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, described the arrests as one of the most significant victories yet against Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. Their capture marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception,” Ribadu stated, noting that the group’s central command has been dismantled.
This success paves the way for the complete annihilation of the group.
Profiles of the captured terror leaders
According to Ribadu, Abu Bara’a, self-styled Emir of ANSARU, coordinated terrorist sleeper cells and masterminded several kidnappings and robberies to finance insurgency.
His deputy, Mallam Mamuda, led the “Mahmudawa” cell around Kainji National Park and was trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 by foreign jihadist instructors.
The duo spearheaded several deadly operations, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, and the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in 2013.
They were also linked to kidnappings of traditional rulers such as the Emir of Wawa.
US government reaction
In a post on its official X handle, the US Mission in Nigeria lauded the success:
“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 evolution of Ansaru
Formed in 2012 as a splinter group from Boko Haram, Ansaru initially projected itself as a “humane alternative” but quickly turned to violent attacks on civilians, security operatives, and infrastructure.
With links to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the group entrenched itself across northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Ribadu emphasised that the latest operation not only disrupted Ansaru’s chain of command but also strengthened public trust in Nigeria’s security forces.
“This success paves the way for the complete annihilation of the group,” he declared.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
