FG Arrests Kuje Prison Break Masterminds and Top Al-Qaeda Leaders in Nigeria
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FG Arrests Kuje Prison Break Masterminds and Top Al-Qaeda Leaders in Nigeria |
The Federal Government confirms the arrest of Kuje prison break masterminds and top Al-Qaeda leaders in Nigeria, marking a major win in counter-terrorism efforts.
Federal Government Confirms Arrest of Ansaru Terrorist Leaders
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the arrest of two high-ranking leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the country. The announcement came after months of coordinated counter-terrorism operations conducted between May and July 2025.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that intelligence-led security operations led to the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda). Both men were on Nigeria’s and Interpol’s most-wanted lists.
Profiles of the Arrested Terrorists
Abu Bara’a – Emir of Ansaru
- Coordinated terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria
- Masterminded high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism
- Played a leading role in the 2022 Kuje prison break
Mahmud al-Nigeri – Deputy and Cell Leader
- Head of the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park
- Received military training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors
- Specialized in weapons handling and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication
Attacks Linked to the Suspects
According to Ribadu, the captured leaders were behind several notorious attacks, including:
- The Kuje prison break in 2022
- The 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp
- The 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura
- The abduction of the Emir of Wawa
- Cross-border terrorist collaborations with cells in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
These arrests mark one of the most significant counter-terrorism victories for Nigeria in recent years.
How the Operation Dismantled Ansaru’s Command Structure
Ribadu emphasized that the successful operation dismantled the central command structure of Ansaru, crippling its operational capacity in Nigeria. Security forces also recovered caches of weapons, documents, and digital evidence, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis to trace funding sources and foreign collaborators.
“This strike has effectively dismantled Ansaru’s leadership while paving the way for its eventual elimination,” Ribadu stated.
Implications for Nigeria’s Security
The arrests signal progress in Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy. Experts suggest this breakthrough could disrupt terrorist financing, recruitment, and cross-border networks. However, the NSA urged citizens to remain vigilant and share intelligence with security agencies to prevent future attacks.
For further insights into Nigeria’s security updates, readers can explore related news on androidpols.com.ng or review international perspectives on counter-terrorism from the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism.
The capture of Abu Bara’a and Mahmud al-Nigeri represents a major victory in Nigeria’s war against terrorism. By eliminating key masterminds behind the Kuje prison break and other high-profile attacks, the Federal Government has significantly weakened Ansaru’s operational capacity. Continued collaboration between security agencies and the public will be essential to consolidating these gains and ensuring long-term peace.
