Nigerian Soldiers Arrest Suspected Foreign Terrorist Fighter, Illegal Immigrant in Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected 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.

The arrests took place at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, according to a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.

The military identified one of the suspects as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national. It said he is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the statement, indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, a development the military said points to attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the North-East.

The troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area as well as the authenticity of her claims.

According to the statement, both suspects remain in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation. The process is expected to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities and ascertain any possible links to terrorist groups or transnational criminal networks.

The military said the arrests reflect the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely.

It added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to disrupting terrorist logistics, financing and support networks. The military also reaffirmed its determination to prevent the infiltration of foreign fighters and protect communities across the North-East.

The statement urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.