Muhammad Billal, a 19-year-old from Nelson, Lancashire, was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison on July 2, 2026, for planning a terrorist attack in the UK and attempting to join ISIS in Somalia. He was arrested at Manchester Airport on November 20, 2024, as he tried to board a flight to Somalia.
Detailed Investigation and Charges
Billal began preparing for a terror attack in the UK in February 2024. He gathered copies of terrorist publications and researched how to purchase knives and firearms over several months. He also scouted potential targets, including shopping centres, train stations, football stadiums, and places of worship, according to Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Although he attempted to buy a firearm, he never succeeded.
In October 2024, an online contact encouraged Billal to abandon his UK plans and instead travel to Somalia to join ISIS. He researched ways to enter Somalia and communicated with individuals who guided him on the journey. However, his plans were foiled when he was stopped by counter-terror police at Manchester Airport.
Billal pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in preparation for acts of terrorism and four counts of possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. Appearing at the Central Criminal Court in London on July 2, 2026, he was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison, followed by an extended license period of five years.
Police Statement on Public Risk
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “The offences Muhammad Billal has been convicted of are amongst the most serious charges that can be brought against an individual. Our investigation into his actions has been meticulous and we have been able to gather evidence which shows a firm intent to engage in acts of terrorism. Although he changed his focus from committing an act of terrorism in the UK to committing offences in another country, the level of detail he researched in preparation of an attack here shows the risk he presents to the public. That risk is reflected in the sentence passed today, and we welcome that outcome.”
