The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security agencies for the arrest of two top commanders of the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist network, Ansaru.

The suspects identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda), leader of the “Mahmudawa” faction were captured in a coordinated intelligence-driven operation around Kainji National Park.

In a statement on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Sama Musa, the NYF described the arrests as a decisive blow not only to Ansaru’s central command but also to other terrorist groups and their backers in Nigeria. The group praised the synergy among the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and other partners who executed the operation.

It also welcomed the recognition by the United States Government, through its embassy in Nigeria, which applauded the country’s counter-terrorism efforts. The youth body noted that the arrests add to recent gains against terrorists and bandits since Tinubu assumed office, citing the neutralization of several notorious figures including Halilu Sububu, Buharin Yadi, Dangote, Boderi Isyaku, Dogo Gudali, Dogo Rabe, Alhaji Auta, Kachalla Ruga, Rufai Maikaji, Yellow, Ali Kachalla, Ali Kawaji, and Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, son of late Boko Haram leader Muhammad Yusuf.

The body urged security agencies to sustain the momentum and swiftly exploit recovered intelligence to dismantle remaining terrorist cells, sponsors, and facilitators. The group reaffirmed its readiness to support government and security agencies through civic awareness campaigns, counter-radicalization drives, and grassroots intelligence reporting networks.