Northern Youths Hail Tinubu, Security Agencies Over Arrest of Ansaru Commanders

The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has commended President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful capture of two top Ansaru terrorist commanders. The high-profile arrests include Mahmud Muhammad Usman, popularly known as Abu Bara’a and self-acclaimed “Emir of Ansaru,” as well as his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda), who led the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction around Kainji National Park.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Sama Musa, the group described the development as a “major blow” to Ansaru’s leadership structure and a significant setback for other terrorist groups in Nigeria. Musa noted that the operation reflects the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures under President Tinubu’s administration.

The NYF praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and other partners for their professionalism and coordination. It also acknowledged the recognition from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing that international cooperation remains vital in the global fight against terrorism. The group recalled similar recent successes, including the neutralisation of 35 terrorists in Borno by the Nigerian Air Force and the rescue of 75 kidnapped victims in Katsina State.

Musa urged security agencies to sustain the momentum by targeting remaining cells, sponsors, and facilitators of terrorism, while encouraging state governments to complement federal efforts through intelligence sharing, youth empowerment, and counter-extremism initiatives. He reiterated NYF’s commitment to supporting awareness campaigns and community-based reporting networks, stressing that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, terrorists will be completely dismantled and peace restored across the region.