Country Reports on Terrorism 2017 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru)
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 19 September 2018 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2017 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru), 19 September 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bcf1f3c13.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
aka Ansaru; Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan; Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa; JAMBS; Jama'atu Ansaril Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan
Description: Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru) publicly splintered from Boko Haram in January 2012. Ansaru's leadership structure is unclear, although Khalid al-Barnawi held a top leadership position until his alleged capture by the Nigerian army in 2016. Since its inception, Ansaru has targeted civilians, including Westerners, and Nigerian government and security officials. Ansaru purportedly aims to defend Muslims throughout all of Africa by fighting against the Nigerian government and international interests. While Ansaru claims to identify with Boko Haram's objectives and struggle, it has criticized the group for killing fellow Muslims.
Activities: In November 2012, Ansaru raided a police station in Abuja, killing Nigerian police officers and freeing detained terrorists from prison. Ansaru has carried out multiple kidnapping operations targeting civilians. In late 2012, Ansaru kidnapped a French engineer allegedly due to French involvement in Mali. In early 2013, Ansaru kidnapped and subsequently killed seven international construction workers.
Ansaru did not publicly claim any attacks between 2014 and 2017. On April 4, 2016, the Nigerian army announced the capture of Ansaru leader Khalid al-Barnawi.
Strength: Total membership is unknown. Given its narrower scope of operations, it is estimated that Ansaru's membership is much smaller than that of Boko Haram.
Location/Area of Operation: The group operates in northern Nigeria.
Funding and External Aid: Unknown.
