The Northern Youth Frontiers on Wednesday lauded President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of Nigeria’s armed forces and intelligence agencies for the successful capture of two high-profile Ansaru commanders.
The operation led to the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, or Mallam Mamuda, leader of the notorious “Mahmudawa” faction operating around Kainji National Park.
In a statement, NYF National Coordinator Sama Musa described the arrests as a “decisive blow not just to Ansaru’s central command but also to other terrorist groups and their enablers in Nigeria.”
He added that the arrests highlight the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts under President Tinubu.
The youth group also commended the cooperation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and other partners, noting that their professionalism and dedication made the operation possible.
The group acknowledged international support, including praise from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, as a boost to global cooperation against terrorism.
NYF recalled that these arrests are part of a string of recent successes against terrorists and bandits since President Tinubu assumed office, citing operations that neutralised or captured several high-profile criminals, including Halilu Sububu, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, Dangote, Boderi Isyaku, and the son of late Boko Haram leader Muhammad Yusuf.
Musa highlighted other recent operations, including the neutralisation of 35 terrorists in Borno State by the Nigerian Air Force and the rescue of 75 kidnapped victims in Katsina State, signalling a sustained effort to dismantle terror networks nationwide.
He urged security agencies to intensify operations, swiftly acting on recovered intelligence to dismantle remaining cells, sponsors, and facilitators. NYF also called on state governments to support federal efforts through community-based security initiatives, intelligence sharing, youth empowerment, and counter-extremism programs.
“The high-profile arrests and elimination of notorious kingpins are outcomes of strong political leadership, inter-agency coordination, and citizen participation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Musa said.
The group reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with authorities on civic awareness, counter-radicalisation campaigns, and community-level reporting networks, asserting that terrorists have no place in the region.
“With sustained resolve, Ansaru and similar groups will be dismantled completely, and peace restored to our communities,” he added.
