The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against two leaders of the Ansaru terror group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda. The suspects are Mahmud Usman, also called Abu Bara’a Abbas or Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also known as Malam Mamuda. They were recently captured in a security operation targeting terror cells across Nigeria.
According to DSS officials, the charges against them include leading a terrorist group, financing its activities, recruiting members, and planning violent operations nationwide. The two men are also accused of masterminding the July 2022 attack on Kuje prison, which led to the escape of more than 600 inmates, including Boko Haram suspects.
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The DSS confirmed that the suspects will soon be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Their capture was announced weeks earlier by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who described Usman as the Emir of Ansaru and the coordinator of sleeper cells across Nigeria. Ribadu added that kidnappings and robberies were used by the group to fund its terrorism.
Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Mamuda, was described as Usman’s deputy and the head of the “Mahmudawa” terror cell operating around Kainji National Park, stretching across Niger and Kwara States up to Benin Republic. Reports state he trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015, learning weapons handling and IED fabrication from foreign jihadist instructors.
Both suspects had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. Security analysts say their arrest is a breakthrough, as they were linked to several attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. With their arraignment close, authorities hope their prosecution will deter others and weaken Ansaru’s network.
