Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded a major counter-terrorism breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials meant for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The operation followed sustained intelligence-led actions aimed at securing Banki in Bama Local Government Area, carried out by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies.
At about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, vigilant troops stationed at the Banki Central Mosque intercepted a suspect, Abubakar Mustapha, who was found with primed IED components—suggesting an imminent attack. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a native of Bama LGA and was in possession of additional items linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover his sponsors and possible links to terror networks.
In a related operation, troops manning the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key precursor in IED production. Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six additional bags, bringing the total seizure to twelve. All suspects and recovered items are now in military custody for further action.
The military said troops continue to dominate their areas through aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny ISWAP and other terrorist elements freedom of action.
Reaffirming its resolve, the military assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the North East, while urging the public to sustain cooperation by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
— Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
HQ Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai
December 30, 2025
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