Nigeria arrests 16 foreign terrorists, fueling expert concerns over international involvement

Nigerian security forces have apprehended at least 16 foreign terrorists and suspects in separate operations across the country over the past 14 months, raising alarms among experts about the extent of international involvement in Nigeria's ongoing security challenges. The arrested foreigners, including nationals from Pakistan, Chad, and Niger, have been implicated in various terrorist activities, with some already convicted and sentenced to death.

These arrests, spanning operations in the North-East and North-Central regions between May 2025 and July 2026, underscore reports that foreign elements are actively participating in the security crisis plaguing Nigeria. Military sources and media reports indicate that these foreign operatives are not merely foot soldiers but also play crucial roles, such as trainers, medical personnel, and intelligence gatherers within terrorist networks.

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The arrests have reinforced reports that foreigners have been playing active roles in the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria.

Recent operations have led to significant captures. In July 2026, troops identified and killed high-profile terrorists, including a Syrian national and an ISWAP commander, during a thwarted infiltration attempt in Borno State. Additionally, a Palestinian Arab identified as ISWAP's overall trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor were among those involved. The military also arrested a suspected foreign spy from Niger and other foreign jihadists accused of providing advanced training and technological support to local cells.

Further complicating the security landscape, three Chadian nationals were arrested in Gombe State with components for improvised explosive devices. In May 2025, four Pakistanis were detained in the North-East for alleged arms trafficking and operating training camps. Security agencies also apprehended five foreigners, including Fulani migrants and Chadians, in Plateau State. The gravity of the situation was further emphasized when a Nigerien national was sentenced to death for terrorism and arms proliferation in Sokoto State, highlighting the severe legal consequences faced by those involved.

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The boy was asked by others to write those lies. I have all the CCTV footage of what happened in my custody, so what he said is not true.