MAIDUGURI – Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter from Sudan and an alleged illegal immigrant from Ghana during a counter-terrorism operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, took place in the Lassa, Dille General Area as part of ongoing intelligence-led operations across the North East. The military said the troops apprehended Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator with terrorist groups.
According to preliminary intelligence, the suspect is believed to have established links with terrorist elements operating in the region, raising fresh concerns over the involvement of foreign actors in supporting insurgency in Nigeria’s North East.
The troops also arrested Mary Florence, a 36-year-old woman who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. Military authorities said investigations are ongoing to verify her identity, establish the authenticity of her claims and determine the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area.
According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, both suspects are in military custody undergoing profiling and interrogation to establish any possible links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.
The military described the arrests as another success for its intelligence-driven operations, stressing that troops remain committed to dismantling terrorist logistics, financing and support networks. It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North East.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on 20 July 2026.