The Nigerian government said it has arrested the leader of the Ansaru terrorist group with links to Al-Qaeda, Abu Baraa.
The terrorist, Baraa, is wanted for masterminding several high-profile attacks in Nigeria.
His arrest was made public on Saturday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during a press briefing at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja at the weekend.
Ribadu said Baraa has been on the radar of security agencies since May and was picked up in July.
The NSA described the arrest as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Ribadu said, “I am glad to inform you that we have successfully concluded a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation that led to the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
“The group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a ‘humane alternative.’
“However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities, and government infrastructure.
“The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.”
