Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and recovered materials believed to be intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State, effectively foiling what security officials say could have been an imminent attack.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday, December 29, by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion operating alongside other security agencies in Bama Local Government Area.
Confirming the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the suspect was intercepted at the Banki Central Mosque.
According to him, Mustapha was found with already primed IED components, triggering serious concerns that a suicide attack was being planned.
“During the operation, the suspect was apprehended at the Banki Central Mosque with primed IED components in his possession, suggesting a possible imminent attack,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a native of Bama Local Government Area and was linked to additional materials associated with terrorist activities.
Lt. Col. Uba disclosed that the suspect is currently undergoing intensive interrogation to identify his sponsors, collaborators, and possible connections to terrorist networks operating within the North-East.
The military spokesperson reassured residents that troops of the Joint Task Force remain on high alert, sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
“Troops are maintaining a strong operational presence across the theatre, with continuous patrols and intelligence-led missions aimed at neutralising threats,” he stated.
He further urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
Reiterating the Armed Forces’ commitment to securing the region, Lt. Col. Uba said the morale and fighting capability of troops remain high as operations continue across the North-East.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on December 24, during which five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured.
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