Army nabs suspected suicide bomber in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and seized materials meant for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Lt Col Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the suspect, Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, working with other security agencies, during an intelligence-led operation in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area.

“The Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a significant operational success 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,” the statement said.

It added that, “at about 1740 hours on Monday, 29 December 2025, personnel deployed at the Banki Central Mosque apprehended a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha.”

Sani said the suspect was found with primed IED components, suggesting an imminent attack. “Preliminary investigations revealed 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 said.

“He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area,” the statement added.

In a related operation, troops at the Cameroon–Nigeria border intercepted a Peugeot vehicle carrying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key material used in making IEDs. “Both the vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody,” the statement said.

Further intelligence led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six more bags, bringing the total seized to 12 bags.

“All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement said.

Sani noted that troops continue to sustain pressure on terrorists through patrols and intelligence-driven operations “in order to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure”.

He added that troop morale remains high and reassured the public of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.