Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and an improvised explosive device, IED, materials dealer during coordinated security operations in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The arrest followed sustained intelligence-led operations carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working in collaboration with other security agencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, identified the suspect as Abubakar Mustapha.
He said the suspect was apprehended on Sunday evening at the Banki Central Mosque, where troops acted on actionable intelligence gathered during joint security operations in the area.
Lt.-Col. Uba said the suspect was found in possession of primed IED materials, adding that initial investigations showed that he hails from Bama and had other incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.
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He noted that the suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation to determine the full extent of his involvement and any possible connections with terrorist cells operating within the region.
The spokesperson also said that troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a key component commonly used in the production of IEDs.
He added that follow-up investigations led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea, all of which have been taken into military custody.
Lt.-Col. Uba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols and surveillance, aimed at denying JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action.
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