Troops arrest suspected suicide bomber, intercept IED materials in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials believed to be meant for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working in collaboration with other security agencies, during operations in Bama Local Government Area.
Lt. Col. Uba said the operation followed sustained intelligence-led efforts aimed at securing Banki town and its environs. He noted that at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, troops deployed at the Banki Central Mosque arrested the suspect while he was in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent plan to carry out an attack.
READ ALSO:Â Troops kill 17 terrorists in Borno operationÂ
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a native of Bama Local Government Area and was also found with other incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to uncover his sponsors, collaborators, and possible connections to terrorist networks operating in the area.
In a related operation, troops stationed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a substance commonly used in the production of IEDs. The vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.
Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total seized to twelve bags. All suspects and recovered items are presently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Lt. Col. Uba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained presence to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
READ ALSO:Â Troops repel ISWAP attack on Military Base in Borno
He added that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as operations continue in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security in the North East. The military, he said, reassures the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges citizens to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
It will be recalled that PUNCH Online reported on December 24 that a suicide bombing at Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, claimed five lives and left 35 others injured during evening prayers.
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