Iraq’s National Security Service (NSS) announced the arrest of Ajaj Ahmad Hardan Al-Tikriti, known as “Hajjaj Nugra Salman.” He was a senior Baath-era official who participated in the Anfal genocide campaign.
Officials confirmed the arrest after a six-month intelligence operation. Agents tracked him to Salah Al-Din Governorate, where he had been hiding. According to NSS, Al-Tikriti faked his death to avoid trial and responsibility.
To begin with, security teams relied on cross-referenced confessions and extensive data analysis. As a result, they eventually pinpointed his exact location. Meanwhile, the agency explained that family members had falsely reported his death for years. Clearly, they intended to mislead investigators and obstruct justice.
In response to the arrest, NSS emphasized their ongoing efforts to track down former regime criminals. Additionally, they identified Al-Tikriti as one of Saddam’s most wanted henchmen
The Anfal campaign ran from February to September 1988. During that time, the Baath regime launched a systematic assault against the Kurdish population. Human Rights Watch estimated 50,000 to 100,000 Kurds were killed. Kurdish sources believe the number may reach 182,000.
Authorities said Al-Tikriti held several top security positions under Saddam’s rule. He operated in Rumaytha, Najmi, Hilal, and Busayyah. However, his most infamous role was inside Nugra Salman prison.
Nugra Salman prison, built in 1930 near Salman village in Muthanna, became a symbol of state terror. During Anfal, the regime used the prison to detain thousands of Kurds. Survivors recount torture, rape, and executions inside its walls.
Investigators accuse Al-Tikriti of directly participating in these crimes. They say he helped carry out mass killings and managed burial sites in the desert. He also oversaw torture of Kurdish detainees forcibly relocated to Muthanna.
“Justice will not forget,” NSS stated. “Time will not protect those with blood on their hands.”
Authorities gained judicial approval before taking action. They recorded statements from survivors and handed Al-Tikriti over to legal investigators.
Nugra Salman prison stands as a stark reminder of Baathist brutality. Iraq continues to confront this dark past and seek justice for Kurdish victims.
