NSA Nuhu Ribadu says arrested Usman, aka Abu Baraa, coordinates terrorist sleeper cells nationwide
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Nigeria, described Usman (also known as Abu Baraa) as the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and the mastermind behind several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism. Mamuda, Deputy to Usman and head of the “Mahmudawa” faction of Ansaru, received specialized training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadists from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria in weapons handling and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication.
Mamuda leads the “Mahmudawa” faction operating around Kainji National Park, which spans Niger and Kwara states and extends to the Benin Republic. Both Usman and Mamuda have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and are linked to multiple terrorist attacks, high-profile kidnappings such as the abduction of the Emir of Wawa, and are connected to terrorist networks across the Maghreb, especially in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Ribadu said capturing of both leaders marks a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, effectively dismantling the central command of the Ansaru group and signaling the beginning of the end of impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria.
Their arrest followed months of intelligence-led operations involving the armed forces and intelligence agencies, with seized materials undergoing forensic analysis to dismantle remaining cells and disrupt international collaborators.
Ansaru originated in 2012 as a splinter from Boko Haram, later aligning with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Its operations have included attacks on civilians, security personnel, and infrastructure, with sleeper cells active in various urban and forest locations across northern Nigeria.
The captured Ansaru leaders were linked to notable kidnappings such as the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura), and the kidnapping of the Emir of Wawa.
Their capture marked a significant milestone in dismantling Ansaru’s central command and exposed their networks extending to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
These criminals exploited illegal mining as a key funding source for their terror activities.
The Nigerian government’s efforts in dismantling these networks highlight its ongoing commitment to defeating terrorism in the country.
More specifically, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that the two key Ansaru leaders arrested, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda, were directly involved in orchestrating these kidnappings and other terrorist operations.
The arrests followed months of coordinated intelligence and counter-terrorism operations, underscoring enhanced Nigerian security capabilities and inter-agency cooperation.
Their networks are tied to jihadist and criminal groups in the Sahel region, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, connecting Nigeria’s insurgency to broader regional instability.
The seizure of these leaders has significantly degraded Ansaru’s operational capabilities and financial lifelines, including those derived from illegal mining activities used to fund terrorism .
Dismantling the Ansaru leadership and their kidnapping networks represents a key victory for Nigeria and contributes to regional counter-terrorism efforts, especially targeting networks funded through illicit mining.
This operation demonstrates Nigeria’s advancing ability to tackle sophisticated terror networks linked across West Africa and the Sahel .
