Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Sudanese foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant from Ghana during an intelligence-led operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the arrests were made by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on Saturday, 19 July 2026, in Lassa, Dille General Area, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North East.
The statement identified the first suspect as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national believed to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the military, indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements operating in the region, raising concerns over the involvement of foreign actors in supporting insurgent activities.
Troops also arrested 36-year-old Mary Florence, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, are currently under investigation.
Both suspects are in military custody undergoing profiling and interrogation 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 underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely within the North East.
It added that the operation reflects the Joint Task Force’s commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics, financing and support networks while preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into the theatre of operations.
The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North East.
