Operation Hadin Kai intensifies crackdown as Sudanese suspect with alleged terror links and female foreign national are detained in Askira/Uba

Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have apprehended a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a coordinated security operation in Borno State.

The arrests were made in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, as part of ongoing intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026.

The troops arrested one Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national, who is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, the military said, indicates that the suspect may have established links with terrorist elements operating in the region, raising concerns about continued attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities.

In a related development, troops also apprehended a 36-year-old woman identified as Mary Florence, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, are currently under investigation.

The military confirmed that both suspects are in custody and undergoing profiling and interrogation to verify their identities and determine any possible links to terrorist organisations or transnational criminal networks.

The latest arrests, according to the military, underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations by Operation Hadin Kai and the sustained vigilance of troops in the theatre.

“The operation highlights our unwavering commitment to disrupting terrorist support networks, preventing the infiltration of foreign fighters, and safeguarding communities across the North-East,” the statement said.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its resolve to neutralise insurgents and dismantle their logistics, financing, and support structures, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

The North-East region has witnessed prolonged insurgency, with security forces intensifying operations in recent months to curb the movement of fighters and dismantle cross-border support networks.