Army arrests Sudanese terror suspect, Ghanaian immigrant in Borno

The Nigerian Army has arrested a Sudanese national suspected of being a foreign terrorist fighter and a Ghanaian woman believed to be an illegal immigrant during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.

The suspects were apprehended by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the operation was conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19.

He identified the Sudanese suspect as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, alleging that preliminary intelligence indicates he has links with terrorist groups operating in the region.

According to Goni, intelligence gathered so far suggests that the suspect may have collaborated with insurgent elements, highlighting attempts by foreign actors to support terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-East.

The military also arrested 36-year-old Mary Florence, who identified herself as a citizen of Ghana and claimed to be an illegal immigrant.

Goni said security agencies are investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area and verifying the claims she made following her arrest.

He disclosed that both suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing preliminary interrogation and profiling to establish their identities, determine the nature of their activities and investigate any possible links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.

The Army said the arrests demonstrate the success of intelligence-based operations being carried out by Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent the movement of foreign fighters into the country.

Goni reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgent groups by disrupting their logistics, financing and support structures.

He also appealed to residents of the North-East to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.