DSS Accuses Arrested Ansaru Leaders of Criminal Charges

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. Two notorious terrorist leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara'a, Abbas, or Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (also known as Mallam Mamuda), wanted globally, have been captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation.

Both individuals have been on Nigeria's most-wanted list for years. Mahmud al-Nigeri, the proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy of Abu Bara'a, is also the leader of the "Mahmudawa" cell. Abu Bara'a, self-proclaimed Emir of ANSARU, is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria.

The group, formed in January 2012, has entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria. The capture of Abu Baraa and Mahmuda was the outcome of a carefully coordinated security operation conducted within the last two months.

The charges against these individuals include terrorism-related offenses such as leadership of a terrorist organization, financing of terrorism, recruitment, and coordinating violent attacks in Nigeria. They have active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The operation resulted in the capture of a cache of materials and digital evidence, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. The suspects, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda, were apprehended in a covert operation. They are currently in custody and wanted internationally.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against the arrested commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda. The Attorney General's Office examined the charges and instructed the prosecution to ensure fair trial standards and adherence to legal procedures. The DSS is expediting investigations to ensure speedy prosecution, following the directive of its Director-General.

The arraignment of suspects Abu Baraa and Mahmuda before the Federal High Court, Abuja, is expected in the coming days. The operation decapitated the leadership of Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria's Al-Qaeda affiliate. They have been involved in multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, and the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp.

The capture of these notorious leaders is a significant step towards maintaining peace and security in Nigeria. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security agencies.