Nigeria Arrests 16 Foreign Terrorists Amid Security Crisis

Over a span of 14 months, military and security agencies in Nigeria arrested fewer than 16 foreign terrorists, including individuals from Pakistan, Chad, and Niger. These arrests occurred in various operations across the North-East and North-Central regions between May 2025 and July 2026.

Notably, on July 12, troops of Operation Hadin Kai apprehended a Palestinian Arab, Abu Ishaq, identified as an ISWAP trainer, and a Moroccan Arab, Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor within the terrorist network. A thwarted attack in Borno State resulted in the deaths of several high-profile terrorists, including an ISWAP commander, Aliyu Zabarmari.

On July 19, an alleged foreign spy, Abubakar Zen, was captured in Borno. Additionally, on July 20, two foreign jihadists were arrested for providing advanced training and technological support to local terrorist cells.

The military also detained three Chadian nationals in Gombe State for possessing components for improvised explosive devices. These developments underscore the significant role of foreign operatives in Nigeria's ongoing security crisis.