FG Arraigns Five Terror Suspects Over Oriire School Kidnap, Orders DSS Custody
The Federal government has arraigned Ansaru terrorist commanders and foot soldiers implicated in the Oyo State kidnapping. While their trial is set for September 24, two key commanders, Abu Bara’a and Mallam Al-Nigeri, have already been sentenced to life imprisonment in a separate proceeding for their terrorist affiliations.
The Federal Government has arraigned five suspected terrorists, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their involvement in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) during operations linked to the kidnapping incident. Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that they remain in DSS custody and adjourned the matter until September 24 for the commencement of trial.
The two alleged terror commanders, identified as Abubakar Abba Mahmuda Abu Bara'a and Abubakar Abbas, also known as Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, were arrested in August 2025. DSS investigations later led to the arrest of three additional suspects believed to be members of the Ansaru terrorist network. Authorities described the trio as foot soldiers connected to the terror operation and the wider activities of the group.
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently sentenced Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara'a, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences.
The convictions stemmed from a 32-count charge bordering on membership and activities of a terrorist organisation. The latest arraignment underscores the Federal Government's continued prosecution of individuals linked to terrorism and kidnapping across the country.