Nigerian authorities have arrested top leaders of Ansaru, a militant group linked to al-Qaeda, officials said Monday. The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed the capture. It said the men were on international wanted lists for years. Their names were not released.
Ansaru, formally Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan, broke away from Boko Haram in 2012. The group pledged loyalty to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. It has been tied to kidnappings of foreigners, attacks on soldiers, and assaults on convoys in northern Nigeria.
Officials called the arrests a major breakthrough. They said the suspects were involved in cross-border crimes and hostage-taking. Security forces from several agencies carried out the operation.
Nigeria faces continued threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. But authorities said the arrests show progress in weakening armed groups operating in the region.
The suspects are now being questioned. Investigators are looking at support networks and funding sources. Officials suggested more arrests could follow.
The government said the operation was planned carefully to avoid civilian harm. It described the move as part of wider counterterrorism efforts.The arrests are seen as one of Nigeria’s most significant security gains in recent years.
