A federal court in Abuja on Thursday delivered a major ruling against terrorism: a senior commander of the proscribed group Ansaru has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges that include illegal mining to fund terror operations.

Mahmud Usman, described by prosecutors as one of Ansaru’s key commanders, admitted responsibility for illegal mining activities which prosecutors say enabled him to acquire arms for terrorism and kidnapping.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court handed down the sentence following his guilty plea.

The Charges & Proceedings

The Department of State Services (DSS) brought charges against Usman, including a 32-count indictment that ties him to acts of terrorism in 2022.

These allegations include an attack on the Wawa Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State.

Prosecutors also accused Usman and co-defendant Abubakar Abba of receiving training in weapons handling and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), allegedly from camps outside Nigeria, including in Mali.

Among the more serious allegations are the planning of notable attacks: the July 2022 Kuje prison break (where more than 600 inmates escaped), a planned attack on a uranium facility in Niger State, and multiple kidnappings (including one involving French engineer Francis Collomp in 2013).

The Sentence & What Next

Having pleaded guilty to the initial charge involving illegal mining, Usman immediately received a 15-year sentence. Justice Nwite ordered that he remain in the custody of the DSS as proceedings continue on the remaining 31 counts against him.

A further court appearance has been set: the trial for the remaining charges will resume on October 21, 2025.