The US Mission in Nigeria has applauded the Federal Government and its security forces on the effective arrest of two Ansaru terrorist commanders.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, announced the arrests of the Ansaru terrorist commanders.
Ribadu reported that the leaders of Ansaru, also known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, were apprehended in a “high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation” between May and July 2025.
The self-styled Emir of Ansaru, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, was responsible for coordinating terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and financing the group’s operations through kidnappings and armed robberies.
Ribadu further stated that his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which operates in the Kainji National Park area, which borders Niger and Kwara states and extends into the Benin Republic.
The US Embassy in Nigeria applauded the terrorist leaders’ arrests in a post on Monday via its official X handle, describing the successful operation as a victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
The post reads, “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.”
