By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during security operations in Borno State.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North East.
He said the operations were based on credible intelligence aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area.
According to the statement, troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended the suspect at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025, at the Banki Central Mosque.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating readiness to launch an attack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is from Bama Local Government Area. Additional items recovered linked him to terrorist activities. He is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to identify his sponsors, collaborators, and possible terrorist affiliations.
In a related operation, troops at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key material used in IED production. The vehicle and fertiliser were seized immediately.
Further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six additional bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total seized to twelve bags. All suspects and exhibits are in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
The military said troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
The statement added that troop morale remains high as efforts continue to restore peace and security across the North East.
The military urged the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
