Nigeria’s security agencies have arrested Abu Baraa, a top commander and alleged leader of the terrorist group Ansaru, responsible for numerous high-profile attacks across the country.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced the development at a press briefing held at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja on Saturday. He was flanked by all the service chiefs and heads of Nigeria’s intelligence community.
Ribadu described the arrest as the result of a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation, which had been in motion since May. Abu Baraa was ultimately captured in July, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
“I’m pleased to inform Nigerians that we have successfully carried out a complex operation that led to the arrest of key leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan — commonly known as Ansaru, the Nigerian affiliate of Al-Qaeda,” Ribadu said.
Ansaru emerged in January 2012, originally splitting from Boko Haram and presenting itself as a more “humane” alternative.
However, its activities quickly turned deadly, focusing on attacks against Nigerian security forces, civilians, and government infrastructure.
Ribadu explained that the group openly aligned itself with global jihadist movements, adopting the rising sun emblem of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Over the years, Ansaru established urban sleeper cells and rural strongholds, especially around the Kainji National Park region, spanning Niger and Kwara States, and even extending toward Benin Republic.
Abu Baraa’s capture is considered one of the most important since the arrest of Khalid al-Barnawi in 2016, a previous Ansaru leader who had been designated a global terrorist by the U.S.
Department of State in 2012 alongside Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and Ansaru founder Abubakar Adam Kambar.
While it is not yet confirmed if Baraa officially succeeded al-Barnawi, his role within the group has been described as central to its operations in recent years.
Ribadu emphasized that this arrest represents a major milestone in dismantling the Ansaru network and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rooting out terrorism and restoring peace across Nigeria.“
this is a critical victory in our broader national security efforts. we will continue to track down and neutralize threats to our country,” ribadu assured.
