Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested a suspected Sudanese foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant from Ghana during an intelligence-led security operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, in a move aimed at disrupting terrorist networks operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on 19 July 2026 in Lassa, Dille General Area.
During the operation, troops arrested Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence suggests the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, raising fresh concerns over the involvement of foreign actors in supporting insurgent activities in the region.
The troops also apprehended Mary Florence, a 36-year-old woman who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. Military authorities said the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, are currently under investigation.
Both suspects are being held in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities, and ascertain any possible links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.
Captain Goni said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of movement across the North-East.
He noted that the development reflects the theatre command’s determination to disrupt terrorist logistics, financing, recruitment and support networks, while preventing the infiltration of foreign terrorist fighters into the country.
The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to neutralising terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
The command also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that collective vigilance remains essential in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats.
