By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian military has disrupted what appeared to be a planned suicide bombing in Borno State, following the arrest of a suspected bomber and the seizure of materials commonly used to fabricate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The arrest was carried out by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, during security operations in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area.
Military authorities said the suspect, Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested at the Banki Central Mosque on Monday evening, with primed IED components in his possession.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said intelligence indicated the suspect was preparing to execute an attack.
“The suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating imminent intent to carry out an attack,” Uba said in a statement.
He explained that the arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and joint operations aimed at securing border communities vulnerable to terrorist infiltration.
Uba further disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Bama Local Government Area, is being interrogated to uncover his network.
“He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area,” he said.
In another development, troops intercepted a Peugeot vehicle at the Cameroon–Nigeria border carrying six bags of urea fertiliser, a substance frequently diverted by terrorists for bomb-making.
The military said follow-up operations led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six additional bags, raising serious concerns about the illicit supply chain feeding insurgent activities.
“All suspects and recovered items are in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Uba added.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to denying insurgents operational space across the North East and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence.
Troops Foil Planned Terror Attack in Borno, Arrest Suspected Suicide Bomber
