Ghanaian Woman Arrested Over Alleged Terror Links in Nigeria

A 36-year-old Ghanaian woman has been arrested by the Nigerian military in Borno State following a counter-terrorism operation targeting suspected foreign-linked extremist activity.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion at approximately 11:48 am on Sunday, July 20, 2026, in the Lassa and Dille general area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area. According to the Nigerian Army, Mary Florence was detained alongside Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national whom the military described as a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator.

Preliminary intelligence suggests Fashir has established connections with terrorist elements, pointing to what the military characterised as ongoing attempts by foreign actors to reinforce insurgent operations in the area. The military is actively investigating both the circumstances behind Florence's presence in the region and the credibility of her account that she is an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana.

Both individuals remain in military custody, where they are being profiled and interrogated to establish their true identities and determine any links to terrorist organisations or criminal networks operating in the region.

The operation falls under the broader counter-insurgency framework known as Operation Hadin Kai, which is focused on dismantling terrorist networks in Nigeria's North East region. The military has been waging a fierce battle against Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the region.

Florence, for her part, told troops she was an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said it is actively investigating both the circumstances behind her presence in the region and the credibility of that account.

Delali Adogla-Bessa, a Current Affairs Editor with YEN, said he could not comment on the story as he is not aware of the details surrounding Florence's arrest. However, he noted that the arrest of a Ghanaian national in Nigeria is a significant development that requires careful scrutiny.

The Nigerian military's statement on the arrest of Mary Florence and Musa Fashir is a clear indication of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The military's commitment to dismantling terrorist networks in Nigeria's North East region is a crucial step in maintaining regional security.

Source: Yen ALL