Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned two senior commanders of the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a Abbas or Mukhtar) and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri (alias Malam Mamuda), face a comprehensive 32-count charge related to terrorist activities. Their arraignment took place before Justice Emeka Nwite amid tight security measures that saw DSS operatives mounting checkpoints around the court complex on Shehu Shagari Expressway.
The proceedings began under strict security protocols, with journalists initially barred from entering the premises and broadcast crews prohibited from using recording equipment.
A limited number of reporters were eventually permitted inside under close surveillance. The charges against the defendants include orchestrating a deadly attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, in 2022, which resulted in significant casualties.
Also, the commanders are accused of receiving extensive training in weapons handling, advanced war tactics, and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at terrorist camps.
The DSS further alleges that both suspects received specialised training from terrorist organisations in Mali, with security officials asserting that Mamuda underwent additional instruction in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist trainers.
This case represents a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and hold senior extremist leaders accountable for their actions against the state and its citizens. The court proceedings are expected to continue as the government presents its evidence against the accused.
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cc: Daily Post NG
