Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | September 6, 2025
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple terrorism charges against two senior commanders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, over their alleged involvement in violent attacks across Nigeria.
Suspects:
Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar): Described as the Emir of Ansaru.
Mahmud Al-Nigeri (also known as Malam Mamuda): Deputy Emir of Ansaru.
Charges: The charges include leading a terrorist organization, funding its activities, recruiting members, and planning violent operations nationwide. The suspects are alleged to be behind the July 2022 deadly attack on the Kuje prison, where more than 600 inmates, including Boko Haram suspects, escaped.
Arrests: The suspects were recently captured during security operations conducted between May and July 2025. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu hailed the arrests as a decisive blow to Ansaru, potentially dismantling its central command.
Investigation: The DSS has expedited its investigation to ensure a speedy prosecution. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has commended the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of the wanted Ansaru leaders.
