– The United States Mission in Nigeria has praised the country’s recent operation leading to the capture of two high-profile terrorist leaders.
According to National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, those apprehended are the top figures of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, or Ansaru, a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda in Nigeria.
Ribadu named Abu Bara as the leader of Ansaru and Mallam Mamuda as his deputy commander.
The United States Mission emphasized that apprehending these most-wanted Ansaru leaders is a crucial development in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The embassy expressed its support through a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account:
US Mission Nigeria on X, posted Monday, August 18, 2025.
“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.”
According to Ribadu, both individuals are wanted by security agencies not only in Nigeria but also in the United States, United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
He explained that the arrests resulted from a high-risk, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operation.
Ribadu also reiterated that these suspects have been key masterminds behind numerous terror attacks in Nigeria over recent years.
Nigerians React to News of Terrorist Arrests
@dammygtnet
Good, but we hope they’ll face justice instead of being pardoned and reintegrated as has happened in the past. Too many people have suffered and lost loved ones to these criminals—whether victims or members of the security forces.
@echo_vo1ce
Wonderful news! Well done to the Nigerian Government and security operatives on catching those #Ansaru leaders. A major win in the fight against terrorism!
Hon Ochefu Baba Ochoche
Thank you @USinNigeria for supporting @NigeriaGov in eradicating terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
@Melebroz1
Maybe we should transfer them to a U.S. prison. It has happened before that terrorists escape detention here.
@AdigunofIbadan
May Allah continue to protect and bless Nigeria, making it safer and more prosperous for all. Kudos to our brave soldiers on the frontline—may your efforts be rewarded.
Photo credit: Nuhu Ribadu
Source: Twitter
@Lill_Samk
Many more are still hiding in the north, disguising themselves as herdsmen.
These individuals often move between states either on trucks carrying cattle or by blending in with herds along bush paths.
Thank you for keeping this issue in the spotlight.
ISWAP/JAS Fighters Surrender to Nigerian Army
Meanwhile, it was reported that there was celebration among soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 202 Battalion and residents of Bama, Borno State.
A total of 25 members from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) have surrendered to Nigerian troops.
A military source shared that the surrender and other recent successes underscore the ongoing efforts and achievements of security forces in the northern region.
