Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Nigerian military forces have reported a significant operational breakthrough in northeastern Nigeria, announcing the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the seizure of materials believed to have been intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State. The actions form part of an intensified counter-terrorism campaign aimed at disrupting extremist plots and degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups operating in the volatile region.
According to a statement issued in Maiduguri by the media information arm of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended the suspected bomber, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, on the evening of Monday, December 29, 2025, in Banki, Bama Local Government Area. Mustapha was found in possession of primed IED components — equipment often used to carry out suicide bombings or explosive attacks on civilian and security targets.
The arrest followed sustained, intelligence-led operations, according to the military, and is seen as a pre-emptive success in thwarting a potential attack. Military patrols and surveillance in the area reportedly detected unusual movements tied to an imminent threat, triggering coordinated action by personnel of the 152 Task Force Battalion working alongside other security units.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle transporting six bags of urea fertiliser — a substance commonly repurposed in the construction of crude yet deadly IEDs. The vehicle and its contents were taken into custody, and further exploitation of intelligence from the seizure led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer. In a follow-up operation, an additional six bags were recovered, bringing the total seized to twelve bags of fertiliser. All suspects and recovered items are now held for further investigation and legal action.
The joint task force highlighted that the seizures and arrests were achieved through rigorous patrols, proactive intelligence gathering and coordinated operations with other security agencies. Officials said such efforts are designed to deny insurgent groups — including Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and its splinter factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — freedom of action and reduce their capacity to carry out attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure.
These developments arrive in the wake of a deadly suicide bomb attack targeting worshippers in the Gamboru market area of Maiduguri earlier in December that killed at least five people and injured dozens more during evening prayers at a mosque, underscoring the persistent threat of such attacks in the region. Authorities have linked that incident to extremist elements active within parts of northeastern Nigeria, although no group has publicly claimed responsibility.
Security analysts say the recent arrest and material seizures reflect the ongoing strategic emphasis on pre-emptive disruption rather than reactive responses alone. By targeting logistics, bomb-making supply lines and potential attackers before they can strike, Nigerian forces aim to reduce the frequency and lethality of assaults that have plagued civilian communities and security formations for years.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have been engaged in continuous operations across border areas, towns and other high-threat zones in Borno as part of broader efforts to curb insurgency. Banki, where the suspect was apprehended, is one of several communities near the border with Cameroon that has experienced repeated militant activity and attempts by extremist actors to infiltrate or stage operations.
The military’s focus on interdiction of precursor materials and explosives components has also included vigilance along key supply routes and transit points that could be exploited to move weapons or bomb-making equipment. The recovery of urea fertiliser in this latest operation highlights the adaptive methods insurgents employ and the challenges faced by security agencies in cutting off these avenues.
Despite these successes, the security landscape in northeastern Nigeria remains fragile. Militants have shown resilience and adaptability, at times decentralising operations, shifting tactics and exploiting ungoverned spaces to sustain their networks. This adaptability has led to periodic attacks on markets, places of worship and other civilian targets, often resulting in significant casualties and deepening humanitarian concerns.
The emphasis on intelligence-driven operations has been an explicit priority for the Nigerian Army and joint forces, which have repeatedly urged local communities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and movements. Collaboration with civilian joint task forces and traditional leaders has been highlighted as instrumental in gaining actionable insights that can avert attacks.
Meanwhile, ongoing military operations have drawn attention to the broader human cost of the insurgency, which has displaced millions of people and disrupted socio-economic life across Borno and neighbouring states. Humanitarian agencies and government officials continue to warn that beyond kinetic engagements, addressing the root causes of militancy — including poverty, unemployment and lack of access to essential services — is critical for long-term stability.
The arrests and seizures in Borno represent a tactical victory for Nigerian forces and may help weaken extremist networks’ operational capabilities. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding civilians and neutralising threats, stressing that such gains contribute to overarching efforts to restore peace in a region long afflicted by insurgency.
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