Nigerian authorities announced the recent arrest of two key figures linked to a jihadist group responsible for a significant jailbreak in Abuja last year. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that the alleged leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Mahmud al-Nigeri, were apprehended during a series of targeted operations conducted between May and July.
The pair is associated with Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, which has been implicated in numerous violent incidents across Nigeria. Ribadu emphasized that both men have been on the country’s most-wanted list for several years and are also recognized on international wanted lists.
“These individuals have orchestrated numerous attacks aimed at civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure,” Ribadu noted, highlighting the severity of their criminal activities. The group notably claimed responsibility for a dramatic attack in July 2022, when armed militants utilized firearms and explosives to breach a prison facility near Abuja, leading to the escape of dozens of inmates.
In addition to the jailbreak, Ribadu mentioned that Usman and al-Nigeri were also linked to multiple high-profile kidnappings throughout the region, underscoring the extensive threats posed by their network. The arrests are seen as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and improve nationwide security.
