The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against two detained commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda.
Both men were reportedly captured during a covert operation earlier this year. They face charges of terrorist leadership, financing, recruitment, and coordinating violent attacks across Nigeria.
According to the DSS, investigations were expedited to ensure speedy prosecution in line with the directive of its Director-General.
The agency stressed professionalism, justice, and protection of human rights in handling terrorism cases. The arraignment is expected before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the coming days.
How They Were Captured
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed the arrests. He said the operation was planned for months and conducted between May and July 2025.
“The targeted operation led to the capture of two top ANSARU leaders who have been responsible for masterminding several terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years,” Ribadu explained at a press briefing in Abuja.
Abu Baraa, born Mahmud Muhammad Usman, is described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru. He coordinated terrorist sleeper cells, masterminded kidnappings, and financed operations through armed robbery.
Mahmuda, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri, was Baraa’s deputy and leader of the “Mahmudawa” cell around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara States into Benin Republic.
He trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015, specialising in weapons handling and bomb-making under foreign jihadist instructors.
A Blow Against Ansaru
For years, both men featured on Nigeria’s most-wanted list. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in 2013, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba in Katsina, and multiple attacks on security forces and critical infrastructure.
They also maintained links with Al-Qaeda affiliates across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Ribadu said their capture marks the most significant blow against Ansaru since its founding in 2012.
“The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception,” he said. “This stride has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group.”
Ansaru, officially Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, split from Boko Haram in 2012. It branded itself as a “humane alternative” but quickly embraced violent jihad. Over time, it aligned openly with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, adopting its symbols and methods.
What Comes Next
Ribadu disclosed that a cache of digital and material evidence was recovered and is now under forensic analysis. He said this intelligence would support ongoing operations to dismantle the group’s remaining cells and disrupt foreign collaborators.
“This feat exemplifies Nigeria’s advancing counter-terrorism capabilities,” the NSA noted. He credited inter-agency synergy, deep surveillance, and human intelligence for the success.
So, the question is, will Ansaru collapse entirely after losing its leaders, or will its sleeper cells regroup under new command? Nigerians are eager to see if this breakthrough signals a permanent decline in terrorist activities. What do you think? Share your views below.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
