The United States government has commended Nigeria, following the arrest of top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, widely known as Ansaru.
The US Mission in Nigeria, in a statement on its official X handle on Monday, described the arrests as “a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”
The commendation comes after the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced that Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda, were captured during a “targeted operation” conducted between May and July.
Ribadu confirmed that the duo were leaders of the terror group, Ansaru, which has been linked to multiple terror activities in northern Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, had earlier described the arrests as a “significant breakthrough in the war against terrorism.”
The US government, while sharing Onanuga’s post, praised Nigerian security forces for the successful operation.
It said, “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 step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”
https://x.com/USinNigeria/status/1957423949442105754?t=OxCMlKlq882t543i7G1Y_g&s=19
