Nigeria Captures Two al-Qaida-Linked Most-Wanted Militants

Nigeria Captures Two al-Qaida-Linked Most-Wanted Militants

The Nigerian world

The news as it trends.

Nigeria’s government has arrested two top militant leaders from its most-wanted list in a multi-agency operation conducted between May and July 2025.

The news was released today and is now trending nationwide.

The arrested men are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, leader of al-Qaida-linked Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeria, head of the emerging Mahmuda group.

Both are accused of orchestrating attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure across northern Nigeria.

Their capture followed months of surveillance and yielded digital evidence now under forensic analysis.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed their international wanted status and praised the operation’s success.

The Mahmuda group gained notoriety earlier this year for violent incidents in the north-central region. More arrests are expected.