The Federal Government will on Thursday arraign two alleged senior members of the Ansaru terrorist network before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to court filings, the accused — Mahmud Muhammed Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri — are facing a 32-count terrorism-related charge. Justice Emeka Nwite is scheduled to preside over the case.
Ansaru, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been linked to multiple terrorist activities, including attacks and abductions across Nigeria.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, M.B. Abubakar, filed the charges on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The defendants are accused of aiding and abetting terrorist activities between 2013 and 2015 and conspiring to serve as high-ranking commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS/Ansaru), which is designated as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
“The accused committed offences contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013,” one of the charges reads.
Further charges allege the men received training in the use of firearms and explosives at terrorist camps, participated in military drills conducted by the Mali-based group Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin, and were involved in the 2022 armed attack on Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, which resulted in significant casualties.
The suspects were arrested during a high-risk intelligence-led operation carried out between May and July 2025.
National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu announced their apprehension on August 16, describing them as long-time targets on both national and international terror watch lists.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Ribadu said at the time.
According to official records, Abu Bara’a is from Okene Local Government Area in Kogi State, while Mahmud Al-Nigeri hails from Daura Local Government Area in Katsina State.
As proceedings begin, both suspects are expected to face the full weight of the law.
