Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, have foiled a suspected terror attack in Borno State following the arrest of a man believed to be preparing a suicide bombing.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday, December 29, by soldiers of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working alongside other security agencies, in Bama Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed that Mustapha was arrested at the Banki Central Mosque after troops discovered items believed to be components of an improvised explosive device (IED) in his possession.
According to Lt Col Uba, the materials recovered were already primed, suggesting that an attack may have been imminent at the time of the arrest.
“Troops intercepted the suspect at the Banki Central Mosque with primed IED components, which clearly indicated preparations for a possible attack,” he said.
Further investigations, the military spokesperson disclosed, revealed that the suspect is a native of Bama LGA and was connected to additional materials linked to terrorist activities.
He added that Mustapha is currently in custody and undergoing detailed interrogation to determine the identities of those who may have sponsored or assisted him, as well as his possible connections to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Lt Col Uba reassured residents of the region that troops remain vigilant and are intensifying operations to prevent any threat to civilians and critical infrastructure.
“Our forces are maintaining aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven operations and a sustained presence across the theatre to deny criminal elements the opportunity to strike,” he stated.
He also appealed to the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid counter-terrorism efforts.
Reiterating the military’s commitment, the spokesperson said the Armed Forces remain resolute in their duty to protect lives and property in the North-East, noting that troop morale and operational effectiveness remain high.
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The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns following a recent suicide bombing at Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on December 24, which left five worshippers dead and dozens injured, sparking fears of renewed attacks in the state.
