Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Terrorist Fighter, Alleged Illegal Immigrant in Borno

Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Terrorist Fighter, Alleged Illegal Immigrant in Borno

Troops of Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during an intelligence-led operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the North-East.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026.

During the operation, troops apprehended Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the military, indicates that the suspect may have established links with terrorist elements operating within the region.

The troops also arrested Mary Florence, aged 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said investigations are ongoing to verify her identity, immigration status and the circumstances surrounding her presence in the operational area.

Both suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities and ascertain any possible connections with terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.

Operation HADIN KAI said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of movement within the North-East theatre.

The military reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics, financing and support networks while preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into the region.

Operation HADIN KAI also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains vital to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East.

Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Terrorist Fighter, Alleged Illegal Immigrant in Borno