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Tag: Ansaru terrorists

  • Group lauds DSS DG over arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders

    Group lauds DSS DG over arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders

    The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, over the capture of the leadership of Ansaru terrorist organisation, otherwise known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Mahmudawa terrorist group.

    According to the group, the terrorist leaders are: Abubakar Abba, of the Mahmuda terror group, in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State; Mahmud Muhammad Usman, alias Abu Bara’a—the self-styled Emir of the Ansaru terrorist faction—and his Chief of Staff, Mahmud al-Nigeri, alias Mallam Mamuda.

    President of BAVCCA, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said in Abuja that their arrest represented a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of strategic, intelligence-driven action.

    It noted that the DSS, under DG Ajayi’s stewardship, has delivered resounding blows to terrorist networks, most notably with the arrest of the Ansaru terrorist group leaders.

    The group said, “This operation, executed with surgical precision and without firing a shot, neutralised a key figure responsible for destabilising communities around Kainji National Park. Abba’s swift transfer to Abuja for interrogation showcases the DSS’s operational efficiency and commitment to dismantling terror infrastructures.

    “These individuals, long thorns in Nigeria’s side due to their roles in orchestrating attacks and kidnappings, were brought to justice through meticulous joint sting operations. These successes reflect not only the DSS’s enhanced intelligence capabilities but also the strategic vision of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, whose re-engineering of Nigeria’s security framework has empowered agencies to deliver such impactful results.

    Read Also: Group lauds NSA for confirming DSS capture of terror leaders

    “At BAVCCA, we are particularly inspired by DG Ajayi’s ‘silent but effective’ leadership style, a hallmark of his tenure since taking office in August 2024. His refusal to seek the spotlight, even as the DSS racks up monumental victories, speaks volumes about his dedication to results over recognition.

    “This approach mirrors his earlier triumphs, such as the 2009 rescue of Canadian hostage Julie Ann Mulligan in Kaduna, where his coordination led to a flawless operation without ransom or loss of life. It is this brand of quiet resolve that resonates with us as content creators, who understand the power of impactful actions over mere words.

    “We join voices like Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who hailed these arrests as a ‘huge victory’ for the nation and a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ending insecurity. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have also rightly praised Ajayi’s leadership and the unsung heroes of the DSS—operatives who toil in the shadows, enduring sleepless nights and unseen dangers to safeguard our communities. MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, aptly described these efforts as a ‘major blow to terrorism,’ a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo.

    “As bloggers and vloggers, BAVCCA members are committed to using our platforms to amplify these victories and inspire hope among Nigerians. We call on the government to sustain support for the DSS through increased funding and resources, ensuring that these gains become the foundation for lasting peace.

    “To DG Oluwatosin Ajayi and the brave operatives of the DSS: your sacrifices are the bedrock of our nation’s security. BAVCCA salutes you as the silent guardians of Nigeria’s future, and we pledge to continue telling your stories of courage and impact.”

  • JUST IN: US commends Nigerian Govt over arrest of top globally-wanted Ansaru terrorists

    JUST IN: US commends Nigerian Govt over arrest of top globally-wanted Ansaru terrorists

    The United States Government has commended the Nigerian government following the capture of two of the most wanted leaders of the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru group.

    The US Mission in Nigeria described the arrest as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.

    Recall that National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over the weekend, disclosed that a months-long, intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, popularly known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.

    Abu Bara’a, described as the “Emir of Ansaru,” was the overall coordinator of the group’s sleeper cells across Nigeria and mastermind of several kidnappings and terrorist financing operations.

    His deputy, Mamuda, headed the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction of Ansaru based in and around Kainji National Park and trained in Libya under foreign jihadist instructors.

    Ansaru, formally known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, broke away from Boko Haram in 2012 and quickly gained notoriety for attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure.

    The group, which pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), claimed responsibility for high-profile crimes including the 2022 Kuje prison break in Abuja, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura, the abduction of the Emir of Wawa, the deadly attacks on a Niger uranium facility and other cross-border operations.

    Reacting on its verified “X” page, @UsinNigeria said, “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.”

  • Two globally wanted Ansaru terrorists captured

    Two globally wanted Ansaru terrorists captured

    • Abu Bara’a, Mallam Mamuda linked to kidnappings

    The Federal Government yesterday announced a major breakthrough in the hunt for terrorists across the country with the arrest of two major suspects said to be top members of Al Qaeda affiliated group, Ansaru.

    In security net are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, who is better known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, who goes by the alias Mallam Mamuda.

    The duo had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and are also internationally sought terrorists, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu said at a press briefing in Abuja.

    The NSA said their capture resulted from “a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation” and “marks one of the most decisive blows against Ansaru since its emergence in 2012.”

    He vowed that the capture of the suspects “signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders.”

    Nigeria, he said, would continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve and unwavering determination.

    “The fight is far from over, but the fall of ANSARU leadership represents a decisive step forward,” he said.

    Tracing the origin of the group and the significance of the arrests, the NSA said: “The group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano.

    “It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a ‘humane alternative.’

    “However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure.

    “The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signaling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.

    Read Also: Ansaru-Ud-Deen seeks return of Moral studies

    “Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves, across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara states as well as Benin Republic.”

    He said the suspects were responsible for masterminding several terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.

    Of Abu Bara’a, the NSA said: “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.”

    Mamuda was described as Abu Bara’s Chief of Staff and Deputy.

    “He is the leader of the so-called ‘Mahmudawa’ cell hiding out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara states up to 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,” Ribadu said.

    Continuing, he said: “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 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.”

    Boko Haram, from which Ansaru broke away, launched its terror campaign in the North East in July 2009.

    No fewer than 5,000 lives have been lost to attacks by the group.

    “Many others have been maimed while whole towns and villages have been destroyed, precipitating the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, especially old people, women and children, from their homes.”

    On the night of April 14, 2014 dozens of Boko Haram fighters invaded Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State and abducted about 276 schoolgirls.

    Many of the girls have not been found till today.