Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter, an alleged illegal immigrant and six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during separate intelligence-driven operations in Borno State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri.
According to him, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, Sector 4 OPHK, carried out an operation on July 19, 2026, in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where they arrested a Sudanese national identified as Musa Fashir, 32.
Goni said preliminary intelligence suggested that the suspect is a foreign terrorist fighter with alleged links to terrorist elements operating within the North East.
The troops also apprehended a 36-year-old woman identified as Mary Florence, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from Ghana.
The military spokesperson stated that investigations were ongoing to verify her identity, establish the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area and determine whether she has any links to criminal or terrorist networks.
He explained that both suspects remain in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation to establish the extent of their activities and any possible connections with terrorist organisations.
In another operation, troops of Sector 1 OPHK intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network and arrested six individuals allegedly transporting supplies intended for insurgent groups operating in the North East.
The operation was conducted along a suspected terrorist logistics route, where troops intercepted five vehicles conveying a large consignment of materials believed to be destined for terrorist elements.
Items recovered during the operation included 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, one Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
Captain Goni noted that preliminary assessment showed the recovered items possess dual-use capabilities that could support terrorist logistics, mobility, communications and sustainment.
He added that the NPK fertiliser and the suspected acid would undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to him, the arrested suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation.
The investigation, he said, is expected to identify the intended recipients of the supplies, uncover the wider logistics network and facilitate the arrest of other collaborators and sponsors.
Goni further stated that sustained military operations targeting terrorist supply chains have continued to weaken the operational capacity of insurgent groups across the North East.
He explained that intelligence gathered from rescued hostages and surrendered families of terrorists indicated that persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communication equipment and other essential logistics have forced many terrorists to abandon their camps, families and hostages while fleeing military pressure.
The military spokesperson reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to dismantling terrorist logistics and support structures through sustained intelligence-driven operations.
He stressed that troops would continue to target terrorists, financiers, logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators in order to deny them the resources, freedom of movement and operational capability needed to sustain their activities.
Goni also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons, movements and activities within their communities.
He said public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
