The United States has commended the Nigerian government and its security forces for the arrest of two top commanders of the terrorist group, Ansaru.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced that the arrests were made during a series of intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations conducted between May and July 2025.
Those apprehended include Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru, described as the coordinator of several terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and the mastermind of high-profile kidnappings and robberies that funded the group’s activities.
His deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, reportedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated around Kainji National Park in Niger and Kwara states and extended into neighbouring Benin Republic.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the US Embassy in Nigeria praised the operation as a major step in the country’s fight against terrorism.
“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 step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism,” the embassy said.