Abuja, Nigeria | September 6, 2025 – The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two senior commanders of Ansaru, a terror group with alleged links to Al-Qaeda, on terrorism-related charges in connection with the 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Facility in the Federal Capital Territory.
The attack, which took place on July 5, 2022, led to the escape of over 800 inmates, including convicted terrorists and other high-profile detainees. Authorities later confirmed that the assault was coordinated by Ansaru elements with support from other extremist groups, further heightening national security concerns.
According to court filings, the two commanders are accused of masterminding the operation, supplying explosives, and mobilizing armed fighters who stormed the facility. The DSS said their actions undermined national security and directly contributed to the surge in terrorist activities in the North-Central region.
The suspects, whose names were not disclosed for security reasons, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. They face multiple counts, including terrorism financing, membership of a proscribed organization, and carrying out attacks against a state facility.
Prosecutors have indicated that the government will call both intelligence and eyewitness testimonies, as well as present intercepted communications linking the suspects to the plot. The court has ordered their remand pending further hearings.
Security experts say the trial represents a major test case in Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework, especially in holding extremist leaders accountable for high-profile attacks on state institutions.
