Army Arrests Foreign Terrorist Fighter In Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Borno State as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.

According to Ireporter Online, the arrests were confirmed on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

The military disclosed that the operation was conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, in the Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area following intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities in the region.

During the operation, troops apprehended 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence reportedly indicates that the suspect may have established links with terrorist elements, raising concerns over the involvement of foreign actors in supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.

The troops also arrested 36-year-old Mary Florence, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. Military authorities said investigations are ongoing to verify her identity, determine the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area and establish the authenticity of her claims.

The Army stated that both suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary profiling and interrogation to determine the extent of their activities and identify any possible connections to terrorist groups or transnational criminal networks.

The military described the arrests as another success for Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-led operations, emphasizing that the development reflects the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely within the region.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics, financing and support networks while preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into the country. It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that collective vigilance remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East.