By Vicky Attah, Corrspondent
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant in Borno State, in what the military described as a major success of its intelligence-driven operations to disrupt terrorist support networks in the North East.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said the arrests demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led operations in identifying and disrupting terrorist collaborators and support structures across the region.
The arrests were carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion under Sector 4 Operation HADIN KAI at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military identified one of the suspects as Musa Fashir, 32, a Sudanese national suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
According to Captain Goni, preliminary intelligence indicated that Fashir had established links with terrorist elements, pointing to possible attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region.
The troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.
The military said investigations were ongoing to verify her identity, establish the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, and determine whether she had any links to terrorist or transnational criminal networks.
Both suspects are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary profiling and interrogation to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities, and ascertain any possible involvement in terrorism-related operations.
Captain Goni said the operation further highlighted the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI troops to preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters, disrupting terrorist logistics and support networks, and protecting communities across the North East.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mandate to neutralise terrorists and dismantle their logistics, financing and support networks,” the statement said.
The military urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that collective vigilance remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the North East.
