The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai has arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The arrests followed joint operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area, conducted by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies.
A statement by the media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, says the suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating imminent intent to carry out an attack.
According to the statement, Preliminary investigations reveals that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities.
He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a critical precursor material commonly used in the production of IEDs. Both the vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.
Further exploitation of intelligence arising from the interception led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer, as well as the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total seizure to twelve bags.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.Troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and sustained presence, in order to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
The military reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
