Troops arrest suspected suicide bomber, intercept IED materials in Borno
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials meant for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The arrests followed sustained joint operations and intelligence-led efforts to secure Banki town in Bama Local Government Area by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the military, personnel deployed at the Banki Central Mosque at about 5:40pm on Monday, December 29, 2025, apprehended a suspect identified as Abubakar Mustapha. The suspect was reportedly found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent attempt to carry out an attack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha hails from Bama Local Government Area. He was also discovered to be in possession of other incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities. The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation to determine his sponsors, collaborators and possible links to terrorist networks operating in 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 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 number seized to twelve. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and legal action.
The military 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 and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
It added that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high as operations continue to restore lasting peace and security across the North East, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
