Nigerian Army Arrests Two Suspected Suicide Bombers Linked to Deadly Borno Mosque Attack, Disrupts Boko Haram Logistics Network

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly arrested two suspected suicide bombers linked to the December 24, 2025, bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. One suspect was intercepted at the Banki Central Mosque with primed IED materials during intelligence-led patrols, while another was arrested in Damaturu, Yobe State, and repatriated to Maiduguri for interrogation. Investigations revealed that the attack was part of coordinated plans by Boko Haram factions, including JAS, Ansaru, and JNIM, to carry out multiple suicide and IED attacks across the North-East. The mosque bombing killed five worshippers and injured 32 others. Following the attack, military authorities intensified hunter-killer and pre-emptive operations, leading to further arrests, recovery of explosives, and the interception of urea fertilizer used for IED production. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and strengthening security around places of worship and markets in the region.

DSS APPLAUDED FOR SPEEDY TRIAL OF SUSPECTED DEEPER LIFE CHURCH ATTACKERS

Hope has been rekindled in Otite, near Okene in Kogi State, as the long-stalled trial over the 2012 Deeper Life Bible Church massacre gains fresh momentum. Victims’ families, survivors, and community members have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the re-arrest and swift arraignment of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged Ansaru terror kingpin linked to the deadly attack.

In a letter addressed to the DSS, the affected community expressed renewed confidence in the justice process following Obadaki’s arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after his re-capture. The development is widely regarded as a turning point in a case that has lingered for more than a decade, restoring faith in the judicial system among those directly impacted by the tragedy.

It will be recalled that the August 7, 2012 attack claimed the lives of at least 19 worshippers and left several others injured when gunmen invaded a Bible study session at the church. Obadaki was subsequently linked to other violent crimes, including deadly bank raids. However, his escape during the 2022 Kuje prison jailbreak deepened the anguish of victims’ families and heightened fears that justice might never be served.

Those fears began to fade in November 2025 with his re-arrest and the filing of six terrorism-related charges. Although he pleaded guilty only to escaping lawful custody, the court ordered his continued detention and adjourned the trial to January 26, 2026. As proceedings resume, the people of Otite remain cautiously optimistic that justice—long delayed—may finally be within reach.

Nigerian Army repel assault by Boko Haram and ISWAP, take out six terrorists.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

According to Lt-Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, the terrorists launched the assault around 4:30 a.m., targeting the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar with drones and mortar fire. Reinforced by the Main Force from Sector 3, the soldiers fought back with support from Nigerien fighter jets, forcing the insurgents to flee into the Tumbun waterways with their dead and wounded.

Troops recovered six bodies of terrrorists, five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, drone bombs, hand grenades, and an Android phone. Additional airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces reportedly neutralized more fleeing fighters.

Some soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members sustained minor injuries but were evacuated for treatment and are in stable condition. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) praised the troops’ bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East.

Meanwhile, the trial of two top Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam), will continue on November 19, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The duo arrested in July during a DSS-led counter-terrorism operation are accused of coordinating terrorist cells across Nigeria and funding jihadist activities through kidnapping and illegal mining. Usman, who pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all 32 terrorism-related charges.

Christian Genocide: US Rep member wants Nigeria designated as country of particular concern.

The Member representing West Virginia's 2nd District in the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has written a letter to the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urging him to take immediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.

He lamented that Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian, urging the United States not to stand idly by.

He called on Rubio to use all diplomatic tools available, including designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and halting arms sales and all associated technical support until the Nigerian government demonstrates it is sufficiently committed to ending this reign of persecution and slaughter.

"The sheer number of Christians who suffer persecution daily for their faith, including the staggering number who have been murdered for proclaiming Jesus Christ as their savior is horrific. More than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 already, an average of 35 murders per day. That includes at least 50 Christians brutally martyred on Palm Sunday and another 200 killed in June. This is consistent with reports from Open Doors that more Christians are killed every year in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined. These relentless persecutions have continued for years and show no signs of abating," Moore said.

"Since 2015, at least 250 Catholic clergy have been attacked in addition to another 350 clergy from other denominations. On Ash Wednesday this year, a priest in north-central Nigeria was kidnapped and brutally murdered. Between the Boko Haram uprising in July 2009 and September 2025, 19,100 Christian churches in Nigeria have been attacked or destroyed, representing an average of 1,200 churches per year, 100 per month, or more than three per day. In addition, at least 850 Christians are currently being held for ransom in jihadist camps in extreme conditions. These individuals are tortured or killed if ransom isn't paid. Reports estimate at least 15 million people have been displaced by the rampant acts of violence and terror in Nigeria. Simply put, this must end.

"Muslim extremist groups such as ISIS-West Africa, Ansaru, and Boko Haram are major perpetrators. Just last week, Boko Haram ravaged Kirawa, Nigeria, displacing thousands. But just as concerning are reports that corrupt cells of the Nigerian government may be complicit, and even directly involved, in some of these attacks. In Northern states such as Kano, regional governments have backed and facilitated the closing of Christian orphanages and forced the children to be reeducated as Muslims. The Nigerian federal government also maintains and enforces anti-blasphemy laws, and several states within Nigeria have even harsher anti-blasphemy laws than the federal government. This includes sentencing an individual to 24 years in prison for 'insulting the Prophet Mohammed.'

Moore lamented that the Nigerian government has sought to downplay the genocide of Christians, arguing that Nigeria has a broader issue with terrorism that affects people of all faiths.

He, however, pointed out that while Nigerians of all faiths face terrorism and death at the hands of extremists, Christians are far and away the most targeted for persecution and violence.

DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Ansaru Leaders Linked To Kuje Prison Break
The suspects were captured during a recent security operation

Nigerian Government Vows Justice For 32 Worshippers Killed In Katsina Mosque Attack

The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice the gunmen who killed at least 32 worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers stormed a mosque on Tuesday, opening fire on congregants during prayers. According to state officials, the assault was in retaliation for an earlier ambush by residents that left some members of the armed group dead.

In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the killings as “callous and barbaric,” assuring Nigerians that security forces were already on the trail of the perpetrators.

“Security forces are already on the trail of the criminals, and no stone will be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable. Justice will be swift and decisive,” the statement read.

President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the victims’ families, the Malumfashi community, and the Katsina State government, saying: “Their grief is our grief, and the Government stands with them at this dark hour.”

The minister stressed that the assault was not just an attack on Malumfashi but “an affront to our collective humanity and national values,” reaffirming government’s resolve to intensify the fight against terrorism.

The development comes weeks after the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of key terrorist leaders, including Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda faction, his deputy Abu Abba, and Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group — all previously on the international wanted list.

#KatsinaAttack #NigeriaSecurity #Terrorism #Justice

FG Pledges To Hunt Down Killers Of Worshippers In Katsina

The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators of Tuesday’s mosque attack in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where at least 32 worshippers were killed.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the attack as “callous and barbaric,” assuring Nigerians that security forces were on the trail of the criminals and justice would be “swift and decisive.”

He added that the incident was not just a crime against the people of Malumfashi but “an assault on our shared humanity.”

President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the victims’ families, the Katsina State Government, and the Malumfashi community.

The government also highlighted recent counter-terrorism gains, including the arrest of top Ansaru and Mahmuda group leaders, reaffirming its commitment to ensure terrorists find “no hiding place in Nigeria.”

#KatsinaAttack #FGNigeria #Insecurity

US reacts to arrest of Ansaru terrorist group leaders.

The United States of America on Monday reacted to the arrest of two key leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as the Ansaru terrorist group.

The US commended the Nigerian government and its security forces over the unprecedented feat.

The group are known to operate around the Kanji National Park alongside their criminal members.

In a statement issued by the US Mission on its X page, the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman aka Abu Bara’a and Mahmud al-Nigeri aka Mallam Mamuda is evidence of the efforts put in by the Federal Government to end terrorism in Nigeria.

It said, “We commend the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).

“This is a significant forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism,” the US Mission stated.

Recall that the Federal Government had on Sunday announced the arrest of Usman and Al-Nigeri by operatives of the Nigerian security agencies.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, while making the announcement said the wanted terrorists were captured in a “high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation” conducted between May and July 2025.

#US reacts to arrest of Ansaruterroristgroup leaders. #arrestoftwokey leadersoftheJama’atu AnsarulMusliminafi-Biladis Sudancommonlyknownas theAnsaruterroristgroup. #NigerianGovernmentand securityforcesonthe successfularrestofwanted.

Top Ansaru Leaders captured during a Major Counter-Terrorism Operation.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has announced the capture of two top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda affiliate that splintered from Boko Haram in 2012.

The arrests, described as one of Nigeria’s most decisive counter-t+rrorism operations, were carried out between May and July 2025 in collaboration with the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and other security agencies.

Those captured include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Bara’a), Ansaru’s self-proclaimed “Emir” and coordinator of sleeper cells nationwide, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda), his deputy and leader of the “Mahmudawa” faction. Both had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.

Authorities link them to several high-profile attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 k+napping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the Emir of Wawa’s abduction, and strikes on critical infrastructure.

The operation, centered around Ansaru’s forest enclaves near Kainji National Park, also recovered w+apons, materials, and digital evidence now under forensic review. Officials believe the intelligence will help dismantle remaining Ansaru cells and disrupt links to foreign terror networks in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

ONSA hailed the arrests as a “decisive blow” to Ansaru, saying the capture of Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda marks the group’s most significant setback since its inception.

BREAKING: Nigerian NSA Confirms Arrest of Two Leaders of Al-Qaeda-Linked Ansaru Group

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) in a months-long intelligence-led operation.

Ribadu said the two men, long on Nigeria’s most-wanted list, were behind major terrorist attacks including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba, and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

Abu Bara’a was identified as the coordinator of Ansaru sleeper cells nationwide, while Mamuda, who trained under foreign jihadists in Libya, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” faction around Kainji National Park.

Ribadu noted that the arrests have “effectively dismantled” Ansaru’s central command, calling it “the most decisive blow against the group since its inception in 2012.” He added that caches of materials and digital evidence recovered are undergoing forensic analysis to further disrupt the group’s networks in Nigeria and the Sahel.

#Nigeria #NSA #NuhuRibadu #Ansaru #AlQaeda #Terrorism #Security #BreakingNews

UPDATED: NSA Confirms Arrest of Two Ansaru Leaders

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing it as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

The suspects were identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), Ansaru’s self-styled Emir, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his deputy and head of the “Mahmudawa” cell.

According to Ribadu, the two men masterminded multiple terrorist attacks, high-profile kidnappings, and the 2022 Kuje jailbreak. Mamuda, who trained in Libya under foreign jihadists, was also linked to IED production.

The NSA said their operations included the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp (2013), the kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba (2019), and attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure.

Ribadu noted that the arrests had “effectively dismantled” Ansaru’s central command, calling it the group’s most significant setback since its emergence in 2012 as a Boko Haram splinter.

Tags: #Nigeria #NSA #NuhuRibadu #Ansaru #Terrorism #Security #BreakingNews

NewsNSA Ribadu taking steps to fight terrorism – Shehu Sani on arrest of Ansaru-AlQaeda leader

Sani, has reacted to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leader, Abu Baraa.

Baraa is the leader of Ansaru terrorist group with links to Al-Qaeda.

Sani said Baraa’s arrest was a significant step in the fight against terrorists.

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu said Baraa has been on the radar of security agencies since May and was nabbed in July.

Ribadu said Baraa was arrested after a successful high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation.

Reacting, Sani posted on X: “The recent arrest of high profile terrorist leaders in Northern Nigeria as revealed by the NSA Ribadu is a significant step in the fight against terrorism.

“They kidnap, they kill, they are deranged, they are delusional in their dreams of a theocracy through bloodshed, and above all they live by the sword.”