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The Federal Government of Nigeria has indeed confirmed the arrest of two top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria. The arrested individuals are:

The Federal Government of Nigeria has indeed confirmed the arrest of two top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria. The arrested individuals are:

Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Bara’a): Identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, Abu Bara’a was the coordinator of the group’s sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies to finance extremist activities.

Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda): Deputy commander of Ansaru, Mallam Mamuda led the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction operating around Kainji National Park and is believed to have received training in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors.

The arrests were made between May and July 2025, following a months-long intelligence-led operation by Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies. According to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the capture of these two Ansaru leaders has effectively dismantled the group’s central command and paves the way for its complete annihilation.

Some of the notable attacks attributed to Ansaru include:

  • 2022 Kuje Prison Break: Ansaru claimed responsibility for the attack on Kuje prison in Abuja, which resulted in the escape of several high-profile inmates.
  • Abduction of French Engineer Francis Collomp: In 2013, Ansaru kidnapped French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina.
  • Kidnapping of Emir of Wawa: The group was also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.
  • Attack on Niger Uranium Facility: Ansaru claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a uranium facility in the 2022 Kuje Prison Break.

The Federal Government has stated that the captured materials and digital evidence are undergoing forensic analysis to provide further intelligence on the group’s networks in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

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