On September 10, 2025, Abuja witnessed a significant judicial blow against terrorism as the Federal High Court sentenced Mahmud Usman, a top commander of the outlawed Ansaru terrorist group, to 15 years in prison.
Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence following Usman’s guilty plea to illegal mining activities, which prosecutors argued financed arms purchases for terrorism and kidnappings.
The court simultaneously ordered that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while facing trial for 31 additional terrorism-related charges.
The trial for these other charges was scheduled for October 21, 2025 .
Terror Financing Through Illegal Mining
Usman admitted to engaging in unauthorized mineral mining, which reportedly generated substantial funds used to procure arms and explosives.
This illicit economic activity reveals a disturbing nexus between criminal enterprises and terrorism financing.
The illegal mining accusation stemmed from a 32-count terrorism charge filed by the DSS .
His associate and co-accused, Abubakar Abba, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Both men face serious allegations, including orchestrating terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed robberies across Nigeria .
Grave Terrorism Charges Against Usman
Among serious accusations, Usman and Abba allegedly masterminded July 2022 Wawa Cantonment attack in Niger State causing multiple deaths and chaos.
They were also linked to the infamous July 2022 Kuje prison break that freed over 600 inmates, including known Boko Haram fighters .
Training in weapons handling, IED fabrication, and guerrilla warfare in Mali and Libya camps reveals their dangerous terrorist capabilities.
Intelligence reports connect them with the Jama’atu Nusratul Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group operating in the Sahel region .
Broader Terror Impact and Notorious Kidnappings
The charges extend beyond attacks and escapes to include planned assaults on critical infrastructure such as a uranium facility in Niger.
They are accused of masterminding kidnappings including 2013 French engineer Francis Collomp and 2019 Alhaji Musa Uba.
The DSS alleges the suspects also participated in ransom kidnappings, extorting families and generating millions of naira to fund further terror activities .
These expansive criminal actions exacerbate insecurity and symbolize the growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria.
Ansaru’s Dark Legacy and Leadership Dismantled
Ansaru split from Boko Haram in 2012, marking itself as a brutal jihadist faction aligned with Al-Qaeda.
It has since been linked to multiple kidnappings, armed robberies, and targeted attacks against civilians and government forces.
The government’s capture and sentencing of Usman signals a critical hit to Ansaru’s leadership structure .
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed their arrests as the results of coordinated nationwide operations.
Describing Usman as “self-styled Emir of Ansaru,” Ribadu called dismantling terror cells a decisive victory against extremism.
Controversy and Criticism: Justice or Symbolism?
While sentencing delivers some justice, critics say Nigeria’s failure to stop Ansaru earlier reveals systemic security lapses.
Usman’s funding of terror via illegal mining highlights regulatory failures and corruption enabling terror finance flourishing.
The judicial system’s slow timeline, including ongoing trials extending into October, frustrates victims and the public alike.
Many question if a single conviction with apparent leniency is enough to deter a terror network notorious for brutality and chaos.
The Stakes: Nigeria’s Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism
The persistence of such groups shows urgent need for government action on poverty, illicit economies, and insurgencies.
The sentencing sends a strong message but requires urgent surveillance, border control, and anti-money laundering improvements against Ansaru.
A Limited Victory Amid Lingering Threats
It underscores how terror networks exploit economic crimes like illegal mining to fuel violence and survive.
As Abuja marks this legal milestone, Nigerians and security stakeholders must demand sustained vigilance and reforms.
Only then can the country hope to break the cycle of terror financing and restore peace to affected communities.
Wahalaupdate will continue to monitor this evolving security challenge closely.
