Troops Arrest Suspected Foreign Terrorist Fighter In Borno

Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested a suspected Sudanese foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammad Goni said the operation was conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, as part of ongoing intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations in the North East.

“The operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on 19 July 2026 as part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations in the North East Theatre,” Goni said.

He disclosed that the troops arrested Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.

According to the military, preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, underscoring attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region.

The troops also apprehended Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.

“The circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, are currently under investigation,” Goni said.

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

Goni said the arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai’s intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of action.

He added that the operation highlights the theatre’s commitment to disrupting terrorist support networks, preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters, and safeguarding communities across the North East.