Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian authorities have announced the arrest of two senior leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The arrests, which were the result of a months-long counter-terrorism operation, are being described as a major victory in the country’s fight against militancy.
According to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the intelligence-led operation took place between May and July 2025. The men arrested are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, identified as the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri. Both men were on national and international wanted lists.
Mr. Ribadu said that Mahmud Usman was a key coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and a mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance the group’s activities. His deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, allegedly led a cell operating near Kainji National Park and received specialized training in Libya between 2013 and 2015.
The security adviser stated that the men were behind major attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the abduction of prominent figures in Nigeria. He added that their capture has “effectively dismantled” the group’s central command and would pave the way for its complete eradication. Materials and digital evidence seized during the operation are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
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