The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a major operational breakthrough in Borno State with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials believed to be intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The arrest followed sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area. Troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended the suspect on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Banki Central Mosque.
Military sources identified the suspect as Abubakar Mustapha, who was found in possession of primed IED components, raising concerns of an imminent attack. A senior military officer involved in the operation said the arrest likely prevented a deadly incident. “The suspect was intercepted with materials already primed for use, which clearly indicated an intention to carry out an attack,” the officer said. 
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha is from Bama Local Government Area and was also found with additional items linked to terrorist activities. He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators and possible links to terrorist networks operating within the area. “Interrogation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of his connections and operational plans,” the military source added.
In a related development, OPHK troops deployed along the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a substance commonly used as a precursor in the production of IEDs. The vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.
Further intelligence exploitation from the interception led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total number of seized bags to twelve. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The military said the latest successes reflect the effectiveness of aggressive patrols, sustained presence and intelligence-driven operations across the North East. “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to dominate their areas of responsibility in order to deny JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and to prevent attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure,” a statement from the task force noted.
Reassuring the public, the military said the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high as operations continue in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security across the region. Citizens were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
