Nigerian troops under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and seized materials allegedly meant for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State, the military said on Tuesday.
The arrest followed intelligence-driven operations carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen security in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested around 5:40 p.m. on Monday at the Banki Central Mosque. According to military sources, he was found in possession of primed IED components, raising concerns about a planned imminent attack.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is from Bama Local Government Area and was also found with other items linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing interrogation to determine his sponsors, associates and possible links to insurgent groups in the area.
In a related operation, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border intercepted a Peugeot vehicle transporting six bags of urea fertiliser, a key ingredient often used in making IEDs. The vehicle and its cargo were immediately seized.
Further intelligence-led follow-up resulted in the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six more bags of urea, bringing the total number seized to 12. All suspects and recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation.
The military said its troops continue to carry out aggressive patrols and intelligence-based operations to restrict the movement of armed groups and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in Nigeria’s northeast and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.