The leader of the Ansaru terrorist group with affiliation to Al-Qaeda, Abu Baraa, has been arrested by security agents.
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.
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 which 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), signaling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.”
Ansaru terrorist linked to Al-Qaeda, Baraa has been arrested – NSA Ribadu
