Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a Sudanese national suspected of terrorist links and a Ghanaian woman said to be an illegal immigrant during a security operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the suspects were apprehended by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion in the Lassa, Dille general area on July 19, 2026.
According to the military, the Sudanese national, Musa Fashir, 32, is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
“During the operation, troops arrested one Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
“Preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, further highlighting attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region,” the statement said.
Goni added that troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from Ghana.
“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,” he stated.
He explained that both suspects are in military custody undergoing profiling and interrogation to determine their identities, activities and any possible connections to terrorist or transnational criminal networks.
The military said the arrests were made as part of ongoing intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations aimed at disrupting terrorist support structures and preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into the North-East.
Goni urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, noting that public cooperation remains vital to efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
