The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, has arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials believed to be intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The arrest followed a series of joint security operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area.
The operations were carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended while in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent plan to carry out an attack.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a native of Bama Local Government Area.
Further searches reportedly uncovered additional incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba said the suspect is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to determine his sponsors, collaborators and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key precursor material commonly used in the production of IEDs.
The vehicle and its contents were immediately taken into military custody.
Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer involved, as well as the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total seizure to twelve bags.
All suspects and recovered items remain in custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and sustained presence, aimed at denying JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and preventing attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
The military has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Reporting by Shekara Anthony