Troops arrest suspected Sudanese terrorist fighter, Ghanaian woman in Borno

Troops arrest suspected Sudanese terrorist fighter

Troops arrest suspected Sudanese terrorist fighter, Ghanaian woman in Borno

Nigerian troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Sudanese foreign terrorist fighter and a Ghanaian woman believed to be an illegal immigrant during an intelligence-led operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military identified the Sudanese suspect as Musa Fashir, 32, describing him as a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator, while the second suspect, Mary Florence, 36, claimed to be a Ghanaian national who entered Nigeria illegally.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspects were apprehended at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating under Sector 4 during a security operation in the Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba.

The military said the operation formed part of sustained intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into Nigeria’s North-East.

Captain Goni disclosed that preliminary intelligence suggests that Musa Fashir has established links with terrorist elements operating in the region, raising fresh concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in supporting insurgent activities.

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He added that security agencies are investigating the suspect’s movements, contacts and possible role within terrorist networks to determine the extent of his involvement.

The second suspect, Mary Florence, told investigators that she is an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. However, military authorities said the circumstances surrounding her presence in the operational area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, remain under investigation.

Both suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to establish their true identities, determine the scope of their activities and ascertain whether they have links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.

The latest arrests come amid heightened military operations across Borno State, where troops have intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics, financing and recruitment networks. In recent weeks, Operation Hadin Kai has also repelled multiple attacks by suspected ISWAP fighters, rescued kidnapped civilians, intercepted logistics suppliers and recorded fresh surrenders by insurgents and their family members as security forces continue to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East. (Channels Television)

Earlier this month, the military also revealed preliminary intelligence indicating the presence of foreign terrorist facilitators within ISWAP’s structure, including foreign nationals believed to be providing training, medical support and operational expertise to the insurgent group. Security experts say such developments underscore the growing transnational dimension of terrorism in the Lake Chad region. (Premium Times Nigeria)

Captain Goni said the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of movement.

He reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to neutralising terrorists, dismantling their logistics and support networks, preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.

The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to defeating insurgency and strengthening national security. (Channels Television)