The United States and United Kingdom have commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Nigerian security forces for the successful capture of two high-ranking leaders of the terrorist group Ansaru.
In coordinated statements, both nations described the operation – which resulted in the arrest of self-styled Ansaru “Emir” Mahmud Usman and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri – as a major breakthrough in West Africa’s fight against terrorism.
The arrests followed a three-month intelligence-led operation targeting Ansaru’s leadership structure and funding networks. U.S. and British officials specifically praised Ribadu’s strategic coordination of the cross-border mission that dismantled a key terrorist cell operating around Kainji National Park, with the UK High Commissioner calling it an “extraordinary and very significant success” in regional counter-terrorism efforts.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed over the weekend that security forces had captured two key Ansaru commanders – including the group’s self-proclaimed “Emir” Mahmud Usman. The notorious terrorist leader allegedly coordinated sleeper cells nationwide and masterminded multiple high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies that financed the group’s operations.
Also apprehended was Usman’s deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, who commanded Ansaru’s dangerous “Mahmudawa” cell. This unit operated primarily in the Kainji National Park region, with operations stretching across Niger and Kwara states into neighboring Benin Republic, establishing a transnational terror network.
The US Embassy in Nigeria hailed the arrests in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), calling them “a major step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.” The embassy specifically commended Nigerian security forces for what it described as a significant counter-terrorism achievement.
“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 statement read.
Similarly, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also took to X to describe the operation as an extraordinary and very significant success, commending the security agencies and their leadership under the NSA.
“An extraordinary & very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism. Congratulations to the security agencies & officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu,” Montgomery noted.
The Federal Government confirmed the internationally-wanted terrorist leaders are now in custody. Ansaru, which emerged as a Boko Haram splinter group in 2012, initially claimed to be more moderate but soon launched brutal attacks against civilians, security personnel and critical infrastructure. The group developed ideological ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating through urban networks and forest bases near Kainji National Park.
The captured commanders – long among Nigeria’s most sought-after terrorists – orchestrated devastating operations including the 2022 Kuje prison break, an assault on a uranium facility, and the kidnappings of French engineer Francis Collomp and traditional ruler Alhaji Musa Uba. Their arrest disrupts a dangerous network with extensive connections to terrorist groups throughout North Africa’s Maghreb region.
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