Captured Ansaru terrorists, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda

The Nigerian government will on Thursday arraign two top leaders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organisation, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 32-count terrorism charge.

The defendants – Mahmud Muhammed Usman (a.k.a. Abu Bara’a/Abbas Mukhtar) and his deputy Abubakar Abba (a.k.a. Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri) – were captured earlier this year following a high-risk, intelligence-led, multi-agency operation conducted between May and July 2025.

Details of the Charges

The federal government’s charge sheet accuses the two men of multiple terrorism-related offences between 2013 and 2022. These include:

• Aiding and abetting terrorism between 2013 and 2015.
• Conspiring and agreeing to form and lead Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
• Receiving weapons training and learning to fabricate IEDs from terrorist camps.
• Training with Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin (JNIM) in Mali on war tactics.
• Contributing to the 2022 attack on Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, which resulted in mass casualties.

According to court filings, the charges are contrary to and punishable under Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Background on the Arrest

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, announced their capture in August, describing it as a “major breakthrough” for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. He said the arrests marked “the beginning of the end of impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” noting that both men had long been on national and international watchlists.

Ansaru, which emerged as a splinter group from Boko Haram, has been linked to numerous high-profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Why This Matters

Security analysts say the trial is a litmus test for Nigeria’s counterterrorism laws and judicial system. If successfully prosecuted, it may signal a turning point in the government’s determination to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the country.

The arraignment also highlights the renewed push by the Tinubu administration to strengthen national security and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.