Morganable News/Security&Justice
Security analysts say the development underscores a worrying shift in the dynamics of insurgency in Nigeria, suggesting that foreign operatives are playing more active and strategic roles in strengthening local terrorist networks
kaNo —
No fewer than 16 foreign terrorists and suspects have been arrested by Nigerian security forces in a series of coordinated operations carried out over the past 14 months.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the increasing involvement of international actors in the country’s protracted security crisis.
The arrests, which took place between May 2025 and July 2026 across parts of the North-East and North-Central regions, involved individuals from countries including Pakistan, Chad and Niger.
Some of the suspects have already been tried and convicted, with at least one facing the death penalty for terrorism-related offences.
Military sources confirmed that several of the arrests were linked to operations conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military task force combating insurgency in the North-East.
In one of the most significant incidents, troops disclosed on July 12 that they had thwarted an attempted infiltration by high-profile foreign operatives into Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Among those identified were a Palestinian national known as Abu Ishaq, described as a senior trainer for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and a Moroccan national, Abu Thaiba, believed to be a medical doctor providing support within the terrorist network.
Another foreign operative, whose identity remains unknown, was also said to be involved in the plot.
During the operation, troops reportedly killed several insurgents, including a Syrian national and a senior ISWAP commander, Aliyu Zabarmari.
In a separate operation on July 19, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion arrested an alleged foreign spy, identified as Abubakar Zen, at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspect claimed to be a citizen of Niger Republic.
Military authorities also confirmed the arrest of another suspected foreign terrorist fighter in Borno, though details of the individual’s identity were withheld due to ongoing investigations.
Security Forces Arrest Foreign Terrorists
On July 20, security agencies announced the arrest of two foreign jihadists accused of providing advanced combat training, drone logistics and other technological support to insurgent groups operating in the region.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of materials used in the construction of improvised explosive devices.
Within the same period, five foreign suspects, including three Fulani migrants and two Chadian nationals, were arrested in Plateau State.
Judicial proceedings have already begun in some cases.
Court Sentences Three To Death Over Terrorism Charges
On June 24, a High Court in Sokoto State sentenced three individuals, including a Nigerien national identified as Yusuf Muhammad, also known as Sallau, to death by hanging after convicting them of terrorism and arms proliferation.
The growing number of foreign suspects arrested in connection with terrorism has intensified debate over the extent of international involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges.
Experts warn that the presence of foreign fighters with specialized skills signals an evolution in the operational capabilities of insurgent groups.
Military sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the involvement of foreign nationals is not entirely new but has become more pronounced in recent months.
They noted that some of the individuals arrested possessed advanced expertise in areas such as weapons handling, medical support and drone operations, which could significantly enhance the effectiveness of local terror cells.
“This is no longer just a domestic insurgency,” one senior officer said.
“What we are seeing is a network that is increasingly drawing on international expertise to sustain and expand its operations.”
Nigeria shares extensive land borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic, making surveillance and enforcement particularly challenging.
Despite these concerns, military authorities have remained cautious about disclosing details of international cooperation efforts.
Officials declined to confirm whether global agencies such as INTERPOL had been formally engaged or whether the countries of origin of the suspects had been contacted for intelligence sharing.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, declined to provide further details when contacted, stating simply, “Nothing much to it. No comments for now.”
However, the Nigeria Immigration Service acknowledged the challenges posed by Nigeria’s geography and reiterated its commitment to strengthening border security.
The spokesperson for the agency, Akinlabi Akinlabi, said the service was working closely with the military and other security agencies to curb irregular migration and prevent the infiltration of terrorists.
Akinlabi added that the NIS had intensified patrols and deployed technological tools to enhance monitoring and surveillance along border areas.
Experts Urge More Commitments To Address Insecurity
Security experts, however, argue that more needs to be done, particularly in the area of international intelligence cooperation.
A retired military officer, Abiodun Shobaye, said the discovery of foreign trainers and specialists within insurgent networks points to a more complex and adaptive threat.
“The presence of foreign combat trainers and medical experts indicates that these groups are becoming more sophisticated,” he said.
“They are not only recruiting locally but also importing knowledge and skills that make them more resilient against military operations.”
Shobaye warned that the challenge now goes beyond tracking individual fighters, calling for a broader strategy that includes disrupting the networks that enable the movement of personnel, funding and equipment across borders.
As Nigeria continues its fight against insurgency, the recent arrests highlight the urgent need for enhanced regional and international collaboration to address a threat that is increasingly transnational in nature.
