The State Security Service has shared an update on the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terrorism suspects, reaffirming its continued commitment to dealing with terrorism in the country.

The update came in the wake of threats by President Donald Trump to launch military operation on Nigerian soil over alleged Christian genocide.

In a statement on Tuesday by its deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, Favour Dozie, the service confirmed that the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, will continue the trial of two wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri) on November 19.

The SSS noted that the two suspects—believed to be top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), a Nigerian affiliate of Al-Qaeda—were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led operation in July after months of rigorous surveillance.

According to the service, Mr Usman is a self-styled Emir of ANSARU accused of coordinating multiple terrorist sleeper cells across the country and masterminding several high-profile kidnappings and robberies to fund terrorist operations. 

“His deputy, Abba, reportedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara states and parts of the Republic of Benin,” the statement added.

The SSS said both men are facing 32 counts of terrorism-related offences, with Mr Usman already sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining, adding Mr Abba had, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The service revealed an ongoing trial of Khalid Al-Barnawi, accused of masterminding the United Nations Building bombing in Abuja in 2011, which claimed 20 lives and injured over 70 others.

It added that Al-Barnawi and four other suspects, including Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi), were currently facing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, noting the trial was delayed by legal and procedural issues.

The SSS also stated that five men accused of involvement in the devastating attack June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, are also standing trial before the same court, adding the defendants including Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, have pleaded not guilty to a nine-count terrorism charge.

It added that suspects arrested in connection with Yelwata massacre in Guma local government of Benue State in June were currently undergoing trial, vowing to make suspects accountable for disrupting peace in the country.