Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices in Borno State.
The arrest and seizures were disclosed in a statement on Tuesday issued by Sani Uba, a lieutenant colonel and media information officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai.
The operation followed sustained intelligence-led security efforts aimed at preventing terrorist attacks and securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, during a security operation at the Banki Central Mosque.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting preparations for an imminent attack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is from Bama Local Government Area and had additional materials linked to terrorist activities.
The military said the suspect is undergoing interrogation to identify his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links to terrorist cells operating in the area.
In a related operation, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertilizer, a material commonly used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
The vehicle and the fertilizer were immediately taken into military custody for further investigation.
Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertilizer, bringing the total seized to twelve.
The military said all suspects and recovered items are currently in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai said they continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained presence.
The military said the operations are aimed at denying JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and preventing attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
The Joint Task Force reassured residents of the North East of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
