Troops Arrest Suspected Sudanese Terrorist Fighter, Alleged Ghanaian Illegal Immigrant in Borno

Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested a suspected Sudanese terrorist fighter and a woman claiming to be an illegal immigrant from Ghana during an intelligence-led security operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m on Saturday, July 19, 2026, in the Lassa–Dille general area, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammad Goni, said the operation was based on credible intelligence aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and support networks in the region.

According to the military, troops arrested Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.

Preliminary intelligence, the statement said, indicates that the suspect may have established links with terrorist elements operating in the North-East, raising concerns about attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region.

The troops also apprehended Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.

The military said investigators are working to verify her identity, establish the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area and determine the authenticity of her claims.

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

Captain Goni said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai's intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of movement across the North-East.

He added that the operation reflects the military's continued commitment to dismantling terrorist support networks, preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters and enhancing security for communities affected by insurgency.

The military did not disclose whether any weapons or other items were recovered during the operation, adding that investigations are ongoing.