Troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
According to a press statement by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the arrests were made following sustained joint operations and credible intelligence aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area. The operations were carried out by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies.
The statement revealed that at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025, troops deployed at the Banki Central Mosque apprehended a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha. The suspect was reportedly found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent plan to carry out an attack.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area. Further searches led to the recovery of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to identify his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links to terrorist networks operating within the area.
In a related operation, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key precursor material commonly used in the production of IEDs. The vehicle and its contents were immediately taken into military custody.
Subsequent intelligence exploitation resulted in 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.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and sustained presence to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
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 across the North East.
The military reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
