Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and interception of materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The arrests were made following sustained joint operations and credible intelligence gathering by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area.
Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri on Tuesday said in a statement issued by Sani Uba.
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On Monday, 29 December 2025, at approximately 1740 hours, personnel deployed at the Banki Central Mosque intercepted a suspected suicide bomber, identified as Abubakar Mustafa.
The suspect was found to be in possession of primed IED components, indicating imminent intent to carry out an attack.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a resident of Bama Local Government Area and additional incriminating material related to terrorist activities was also found in his possession.
He is currently being interrogated extensively to establish possible links with his sponsors, associates and terrorist networks operating within the region.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon-Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle which was carrying six bags of urea fertilizer, a key precursor material commonly used in the production of IEDs. Both the car and the fertilizer were immediately taken into military custody.
Further use of intelligence generated from the interception led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer, as well as the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertilizer, bringing the total seizure to twelve bags.
All the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody pending further investigation and necessary legal action.
JTF NE OPHK troops continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence led operations and sustained presence, giving JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and preventing attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
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The morale and fighting capability of the troops remains high and satisfactory, as operations continue in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security in the entire North East.
The Army assures the general public of its unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property and urges civilians to continue providing timely and reliable information to the security agencies in support of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
