NG army arrests suicide bomber, recovers 189 AK-47 rifles

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded a major security success in Borno State, arresting a suspected suicide bomber and intercepting materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices.

The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday by personnel of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies, at Banki town in Bama Local Government Area.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that Mustapha was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating an imminent intent to carry out an attack.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area,” Sani said.

In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border intercepted a Peugeot vehicle carrying six bags of urea fertiliser, a critical precursor for IED production.

Further intelligence operations led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags, bringing the total seizure to twelve bags.

“Both the vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Sani added.