DSS Updates Trial of ANSARU Leaders Amid US Threats; Trial Resumes Nov 19

The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided a crucial update on the ongoing prosecution of two internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, leaders of the ANSARU terrorist group, which is recognized as Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. The Federal High Court in Abuja, under the supervision of Justice Emeka Nwite, is set to continue their trial on November 19, 2025.

Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegal mining, a charge to which he pleaded guilty. His co-defendant, Abubakar Abba, denies all 32 terrorism and related charges. Both men were apprehended in a high-risk, intelligence-led operation by the DSS in July after months of tracking. They are accused of masterminding several terrorist activities including kidnappings, robberies, and financing terrorism in Nigeria and beyond.

ANSARU, officially Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, operates across Nigeria and is linked with various terrorist cells. Usman allegedly led these sleeper cells, coordinating acts that disrupted national peace. Abba, his deputy and chief of staff, headed the “Mahmudawa” cell, active in regions bordering Niger and Kwara States as well as the Republic of Benin.

The DSS highlighted that these trials demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to holding terrorists accountable through the rule of law, despite external threats and pressures. Notably, this update coincides with recent warnings from former US President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against Nigeria over perceived persecution of Christians and mishandling of Islamic terrorism.

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DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi emphasized that the suspects in this trial are separate from hundreds of other terrorism suspects under military custody, whose cases are managed by the Attorney General’s office. Since last year, the DSS has reported sentencing over 125 terrorists, signaling a robust effort to dismantle terror networks in Nigeria.

As the trial resumes, Nigerians and the international community will watch closely as the judiciary continues to process these significant terrorism cases aimed at restoring peace and security across the nation.