December 31, (THEWILL) — The Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials meant for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Una, said the arrests followed sustained joint operations and credible intelligence gathering aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area. The operation was carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies.
Detailing the operation, Una said at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, troops deployed at the Banki Central Mosque apprehended a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha.
“The suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating imminent intent to carry out an attack”, he said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and was also found to be in possession of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing a detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with terrorist networks operating in 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”, the statement said.
Further exploitation of intelligence from the interception led to 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 currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action”, Lieutenant Colonel Una added.
He 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.
“The morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high and satisfactory, as operations continue in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security across the North East”, the statement said.
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 operations.
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