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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The government of the United States of America (USA), the British authorities and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have commended the Federal Government and the security agencies under the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu, for the arrest of the wanted leaders of the Ansaru terror organisation, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).
The US and British authorities issued the commendations in separate tweets on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday.
A post on X by the USMissionNigeria via @USinNigeria praised the Nigerian security forces for the arrest of the terror kingpins. The tweet read: “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.”
Another post by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, on X @RMontgomeryUK read: “An extraordinary and very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism. Congratulations to the security agencies and officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu.”
The security forces had, on Saturday, announced the arrest of the two wanted terror kingpins.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Information, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X, at the weekend, reiterated that the war against terrorism gained further traction with the capture of the terror lords.
He quoted the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as saying that the two terrorists on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, the UK and the UN were captured in an operation, which was conducted between May and July 2025.
Onanuga said Ribadu stated that the men were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation, which led to their capture. “They are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate,” he wrote.
He also quoted the NSA as saying that the two men were responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.
He quoted Ribadu as saying, “The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU. He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.
“The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy. He is the leader of the so-called Mahmudawa cell hide-out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara states up to the Benin Republic. Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje Prison’s break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer, Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura).
They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa, and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody. The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander, respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism. The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception. This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group.”
In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern states and the FCT chapter, also commended Ribadu for the arrest of the two key leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.
The association also praised Gov Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his efforts in promoting inclusive governance and infrastructure development across the state.
Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of Northern CAN, gave the commendation during an interaction with newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday.
He described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism.
According to Hayab, the arrests, carried out between May and July through intelligence-led operations by the NSA’s office, in collaboration with security agencies, marked a turning point in counter-terrorism efforts.
Hayab said: “We do not want to be people who only grumble and accuse. When we see what is right, we must acknowledge it.
“Ribadu deserves enormous credit for the deliberate, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of some of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists.”
He called for sustained intelligence operations and the identification of sponsors of terrorism, stressing that lasting peace required accountability and justice.
Turning to governance, he commended Sani’s inclusive approach and infrastructure projects, especially the ongoing road works across the state.
While acknowledging that some areas still required urgent attention, he said that visible progress had been made.
“We cannot expect all roads to be repaired in one day, but if work continues in phases, people will see real development in the next one or two years,” he said.
The CAN leader also urged the Governor to ensure fair distribution of projects and appointments across all communities, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
“Past cultures of neglect must not return. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are key to sustainable development,” he added.
He called for more opportunities for qualified Christians in Northern Nigeria to contribute to governance, while urging that such appointments must be genuine and not exploitative.
He appealed for unity among Nigerians, emphasising that positive feedback encourages leaders to do more, while silence or division only emboldens bad actors.
“Let us unite across ethnic and religious divides. Constructive engagement is the way forward,” he urged.
Where will you be when the trumpet shall sound? FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!WomaninHisVineyard
