The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple terrorism-related charges against two high-ranking commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda, following their recent capture in a covert operation.
The development, confirmed by a security source to Zagazola Makama on Friday, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
According to the source, “the suspects, who were recently apprehended in a covert operation, are facing terrorism-related charges under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.” The charges include leadership of a terrorist organization, financing terrorism, recruitment, and coordinating violent attacks across the country. The arrests are seen as a breakthrough in disrupting Ansaru’s operations, an Al-Qaeda-linked group notorious for high-profile attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break.
The DSS has prioritized swift action, with the source noting that “the DSS has expedited investigations to ensure speedy prosecution in line with the directive of its Director-General, who emphasised professionalism, justice, and the protection of human rights in handling terrorism cases.” The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the coming days.
This operation underscores Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat insurgency, with security forces targeting key figures in terrorist networks.
The arraignment of Abu Baraa, described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmuda, signals a strong response to terrorism.