Operation HADIN KAI Arrests Suspected Foreign Terrorist, Illegal Immigrant in Borno
Troops of Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during an intelligence-led security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of 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 July 19, 2026, as part of sustained counter-terrorism operations across the North-East Theatre.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops arrested one Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.
The statement said preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, raising concerns over attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region.
During the same operation, troops also apprehended Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.
Captain Goni 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 preliminary profiling and interrogation to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities, and ascertain any possible links to terrorist or transnational criminal networks.
The military 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.
According to the statement, the operation also underscores the theatre’s commitment to disrupting terrorist support networks, preventing the infiltration of foreign terrorist fighters, and safeguarding communities across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to neutralise terrorists and dismantle their logistics, financing and support networks. It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that sustained public cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the North-East.
