The United States government has commended Nigeria for the successful arrest of two top leaders of the terrorist group, Ansaru, describing the operation as a major step in the nation’s ongoing fight against extremism.
In a statement issued on Monday on X, the U.S. government praised the Nigerian authorities and security forces for their coordinated efforts that led to the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda—both high-profile figures long wanted for their roles in orchestrating terror activities.
“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 forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism,” the U.S. government said.
It will be on Saturday at a media briefing in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that the arrests came after months of carefully coordinated intelligence operations.
The men captured were identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, widely known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.
Breakingng.com reports that at a media briefing in Abuja last Saturday, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that the arrests came after months of carefully coordinated intelligence operations.
The men captured were identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, widely known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and are also internationally sought terrorists,” Mr Ribadu said.
“Their capture marks one of the most decisive blows against Ansaru since its emergence in 2012.”
The capture of the notorious extremists, according to security analysts, is a blow to Ansaru’s operations and signals growing international support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The group, a splinter faction of Boko Haram with reported ties to al-Qaeda, has been linked to numerous attacks, abductions, and targeted assaults on both civilians and security forces.
Observers believe the arrest could help unravel Ansaru’s network and provide valuable intelligence on its operations across northern Nigeria.
According to security experts, the U.S. statement reinforces Washington’s long-standing partnership with Abuja in combating terrorism in West Africa, a region increasingly under threat from violent extremist groups.
