National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, don announce say dem don capture two top leaders of di Ansaru terrorist group – one Al-Qaeda-linked faction wey don dey terrorise Nigeria for over ten years.
or press briefing wey happen for Abuja yesterday, Ribadu wey sit down with Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police and Minister of Information, reveal say di two men na Mahmud Muhammad Usman (wey dem dey call Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri, aka Mallam Mamuda.
According to Ribadu, Abu Bara be Ansaru self-proclaimed “Emir,” and na him dey control several terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. E dey behind plenty kidnappings and armed robbery wey dey fund terrorist operations. Mamuda, him deputy, na leader of “Mahmudawa” cell wey dey operate around Kainji National Park reach Benin Republic side.
Ribadu add say Mamuda train for Libya between 2013 and 2015 under jihadist instructors, wey teach am handling of weapons and how to make explosive devices (IEDs).
Ribadu talk say the two men dey Nigeria most-wanted list for years. Dem hand dey inside some of di boldest terrorist attacks wey shock di country, including:
-
2022 Kuje Prison jailbreak
-
Attack on Niger uranium facility
-
2013 kidnap of French engineer Francis Collomp for Katsina
-
2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura
-
Kidnap of the Emir of Wawa
Dem also dey maintain link with jihadist groups for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Ribadu talk am strong: “Di capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda na one of di most important achievements for dis our war against terrorism. With dis, we don dismantle Ansaru leadership structure.”
Who be Ansaru?
Ansaru first show face for January 2012 for Kano after dem break away from Boko Haram. At first, dem try present demself as “humane alternative,” but later turn violent, attacking security men, civilians and government property.
Dem logo carry setting sun wey resemble Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), to show say dem align with global jihadist network. Over time, dem plant sleeper cells for cities and build base for forest areas like Kainji National Park around Niger and Kwara.
Wetin Next?
Security experts dey clap for di arrest, but dem still dey warn say remaining Ansaru cells fit try retaliate.
For Ribadu, dis one na turning point: “Nigeria dey win dis war. With Ansaru leadership out of di way, we dey move closer to end di last remains of dis dangerous group.”
