Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national security adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of Nigeria’s armed forces and intelligence community over the arrest of two commanders of the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, Ansaru.
Reports confirmed that the coordinated, intelligence-driven operation resulted in the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, popularly known as Abu Bara’a, the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” alongside his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda), leader of the “Mahmudawa” faction operating around Kainji National Park.
In a statement, NYF national coordinator, Sama Musa, described the breakthrough as a “decisive blow not just to Ansaru’s central command but also to other terrorist groups and their enablers in Nigeria.
He noted that the arrests underscore the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations under President Tinubu, which have continued to “yield results through the decimation of cruel terrorists.”
The group commended the synergy among the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and other partners, whose professionalism and sacrifices made the operation possible.
It also welcomed recognition from the United States Embassy in Nigeria, which praised the country’s efforts in capturing the Ansaru leaders, describing the acknowledgment as a boost to international cooperation against terrorism.
The NYF recalled that the arrests add to a string of recent successes against terrorists and bandits since President Tinubu assumed office, including the elimination or capture of several notorious kingpins such as Halilu Sububu, Buhari Alhaji Halidu (Buharin Yadi), Dangote, Boderi Isyaku, Dogo Gudali, Dogo Rabe, Alhaji Auta, Rufai Maikaji, Yellow, Ali Kachalla, and Ali Kawaji, as well as the arrest of Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, son of late Boko Haram leader Muhammad Yusuf.
Just last weekend, Musa noted, the Nigerian Air Force neutralised 35 terrorists in Borno State, while 75 kidnapped victims were rescued in Katsina State, signaling a sustained momentum that is steadily crippling terror networks nationwide.
The NYF further acknowledged the role of vigilant local communities whose cooperation remains vital in denying terrorists safe havens.
“We call on security agencies to sustain and intensify efforts, swiftly exploiting recovered intelligence to dismantle remaining cells, sponsors, and facilitators. With sustained resolve, we are heading towards the end of the terror groups and bandits that have long disturbed our communities,” Musa said.
The group urged the government to consolidate community stabilisation and victim support programmes in affected areas and prosecute arrested commanders to ensure justice and deterrence.
It also called on state governments to complement federal efforts by supporting community-based security initiatives, intelligence sharing, youth empowerment, and counter-extremism programmes to undercut terrorist recruitment.
Reaffirming its readiness to partner with relevant authorities, the NYF pledged support for civic awareness campaigns, counter-radicalization drives, and community reporting networks.
“We believe terrorists and terrorism have no place in our region. With sustained commitment, Ansaru and similar groups will be dismantled completely, and peace restored to our communities,” Musa added.
