November 05, (THEWILL) — The Department of State Services has intensified the prosecution of high-profile terrorism suspects across the country, as international attention renews on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism record following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump urging stronger accountability for terror-related crimes.
The renewed push comes amid heightened diplomatic scrutiny and mounting public demand for justice over years of violent attacks by extremist groups.
Confirming key developments in ongoing prosecutions, the DSS disclosed that the Federal High Court in Abuja will on November 19 resume the trial of two alleged Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, both arrested in July and described by security officials as among the most dangerous insurgent figures apprehended in recent years.
Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, is alleged to have served as a senior operational commander within Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked offshoot of Boko Haram known for high-level kidnappings, ambushes and cross-border attacks. Security reports indicate he oversaw clandestine logistics and sleeper cells across northern Nigeria, facilitating the movement of fighters and weapons.
Abba, also identified as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri, is accused of leading an armed cell around Kainji National Park near the Niger Republic border, coordinating raids on rural settlements and maintaining contacts with extremist networks across the Sahel.
Security records indicate Usman received intensive jihadist training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign extremist instructors. The defendants are facing a 32-count terrorism charge. Usman has already pleaded guilty to one count and received a 15-year sentence, while Abba has denied the allegations and is contesting the charges.
In a separate proceeding, the trial of Khalid Al-Barnawi — mastermind of the 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja — has resumed after prolonged procedural delays. Twenty people were killed and over 70 injured in the attack. Four alleged accomplices are also standing trial, with the court granting accelerated hearing to avoid further setbacks.
Progress is also being recorded in the prosecution of suspects linked to the June 2022 mass killing at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where over 40 worshippers were murdered during Sunday service. Five accused militants, including Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza and Al-Qasim Idris, remain in custody after the court denied their bail applications. Recently admitted video evidence and forensic intelligence are said to have strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Meanwhile, trials are ongoing for suspects charged in connection with the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State — the reprisal attack that prompted a visit from President Bola Tinubu. More than two dozen arrests were made, with nine individuals presently facing charges of terrorism, murder and conspiracy. Fresh charges have also been filed against two additional suspects, while security agencies continue to search for two alleged masterminds.
DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said the prosecutions underscore the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure extremist actors face justice. He noted that while hundreds of suspects remain in military detention pending transfer to federal courts, priority is being placed on high-risk cases supported by strong intelligence.
DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi added that 125 terrorism convictions were secured last year, pledging that the agency will sustain momentum and strengthen coordination across security and judicial institutions to prevent extremist resurgence.
He said, “We remain committed to dismantling terror networks, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims across affected communities.”
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