By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter from Sudan and an alleged illegal immigrant from Ghana during a security operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The arrests were made by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, Sector 4, during an intelligence-led operation conducted around 11:48 a.m. on July 19 in the Lassa, Dille General Area, according to the military.
The military identified the first suspect as Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
According to preliminary intelligence, the suspect is believed to have established links with terrorist elements operating in the North-East, raising concerns over attempts by foreign actors to support insurgency in the region.
Troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, 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 being held in military custody, where they are 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.
Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of the operation’s intelligence-driven strategy in countering terrorism and preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters into the country.
He said, “The successful arrests further demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of action.”
Goni added that the operation reflects the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics, financing and support networks while safeguarding communities across the North-East.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that collective vigilance remains critical to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.