US Reacts as Nigeria Arrests 2 Globally Wanted Terrorist Leaders
- The United States has reacted to the arrest of two globally wanted terrorist leaders by the Nigerian security forces
- The United States Mission in Nigeria said the arrest of the two terrorists is commendable and significant
- The US Embassy commended the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted Ansaru leaders
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The United States Mission in Nigeria has commended Nigeria for dismantling and arresting the leaders of a terror group.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said the suspects are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Source: Twitter
Ribadu said Abu Bara is the the group’s leader and Mallam Mamuda, is the deputy commander.
The US mission said the successful arrest of wanted Ansaru leaders by the Nigerian security forces is significant in the fight against terrorism.
This was contained in a short post shared via its X handle @USinNigeria on Monday, August 18, 2025.
“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 forward in Nigeria's fight against terrorism and extremism.”
Ribadu said the two terrorists are on the wanted list of Nigeria, the United States, United Kingdom and United Nations.
He disclosed that the terrorists were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation.
He added that the suspects are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
The NSA said the arrested terrorists have been responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.
Nigerians react as soldiers arrest 2 wanted terrorists
@dammygtnet
Good but we hope they won’t be pardoned and integrated into the army as usual. It’s sad that this is happening. It’s a slap to the people who have lost their lives in the hands of these criminals, either as security forces or victims.
@echo_vo1ce
Great news! Kudos to the Nigerian Government and security forces for nabbing those #Ansaru leaders. Big step forward in the fight against terrorism!
Hon Ochefu Baba Ochoche
Thank you @USinNigeria support the @NigeriaGov to eradicate terrorist and banditry from Nigeria.
@Melebroz1
I suggest that we transfer them to a U.S. prison. We once had a case where terrorists broke into a prison to free their men.
@AdigunofIbadan
May Allah make Nigeria become more safer and prosperous nation for business to thrive more. Kudos to the all our gallant soldiers in the front. May all your efforts be rewarded.
@Lill_Samk
A lot of them are still moving freely in the north hiding under the umbrella of herdsmen.
They do interstates movements by mounting on big truck conveying cattles or by following herds of cattle in the bush.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
ISWAP/JAS terrorists surrender to Nigerian Army
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that jubilation in the camp of the troops of 202 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and among residents of Bama in Borno state.
25 members of Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad surrendered to Nigerian Army.
A military source shared details about the terrorists surrendering and other exploits of the troops in the northern region.
Source: Legit.ng
