A suspected terror attack was prevented in Borno State after troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested an alleged suicide bomber and seized items believed to be meant for making improvised explosive devices, highlighting continued intelligence-driven operations against terrorist groups in the North East.
According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the arrest followed sustained joint operations and credible intelligence gathering by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, working in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, recorded the operational success during coordinated security operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area and disrupting the logistics chain of terrorist elements.
At about 1740 hours on Monday, 29 December 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 an imminent intent to carry out an 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 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. The vehicle and its contents were immediately taken into military custody.
Further exploitation of intelligence arising 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 remain in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The Joint Task Force stated that, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, sustained presence and intelligence-driven operations to deny JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
“Troop morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”
The military reassured members of 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 counterterrorism efforts