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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator during an intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
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Soldiers also apprehended a 36-year-old woman who identified herself as an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said her identity and the circumstances surrounding her presence in the insurgency-affected area are under investigation.
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Both suspects are undergoing profiling and interrogation to determine their identities, establish the extent of their activities, and uncover any links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
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Operation HADIN KAI said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of its intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics.
July 20 , (THEWILL) — Troops of Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a suspected Sudanese foreign terrorist fighter and a woman claiming to be an illegal immigrant from Ghana during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations across the North-East Theatre.
The latest arrests come barely days after Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across the region, underscoring the military’s determination to disrupt terrorist operations, logistics and support networks.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops arrested Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
The military said preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements operating within the North-East, suggesting the continued involvement of foreign actors in supporting insurgent activities in the region.
Investigators are expected to determine the extent of his alleged involvement, including whether he participated directly in terrorist operations or provided logistical, financial or intelligence support to insurgent groups.
Alleged Ghanaian Illegal Immigrant Apprehended
Troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.
According to the military, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the conflict-prone area, as well as verifying the authenticity of her nationality and immigration status.
Security agencies are also examining whether she has any connections with terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks operating across Nigeria’s borders.
Suspects Undergoing Investigation
Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that both suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary profiling and interrogation.
The military said the ongoing investigation is aimed at establishing their true identities, determining the extent of their activities, and identifying any possible links to terrorist groups or other criminal networks.
It noted that the operation reflects the growing success of intelligence-led security operations in identifying and intercepting individuals suspected of supporting insurgent activities before they can strengthen terrorist capabilities.
The military said the successful operation further demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness of troops deployed across the North-East Theatre.
It stressed that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mandate to neutralise terrorists, dismantle their logistics, financing and support structures, and prevent the infiltration of foreign fighters into Nigeria.
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