2-Aminobenzimidazole was diazotized and made to react with active methylene compounds viz: ethylcyanoacetate and malanonitrile. The ligands [IIIa and IIIb] were isolated, characterized, and then condensed with Ni(II) chloride, Cu(II) chloride, and Ag(I) nitrate. The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1 H NMR, ESR, UV–Visible spectral techniques, and along with thermal studies. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands [IIIa (C12H11N5O2) and IIIb (C10H6N6)] and their metal complexes [IVa–IVf] against bacterial strains and fungal strains were investigated. The antimicrobial activity of the above metals and the ligands were discussed.