Nigerian Army troops have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during separate operations in Borno State, the military said on Tuesday.
According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE) Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended around 5:40 p.m. on Monday at the Banki Central Mosque in Bama Local Government Area by troops of Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army.
He was reportedly found with primed IED components, suggesting an imminent plan to carry out an attack. Preliminary investigations indicate he is from Bama and was also in possession of other items linked to terrorist activity. He is currently being interrogated to determine his sponsors and possible links to jihadist groups operating in the region.
In a related operation, troops at the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Banki intercepted a Peugeot vehicle transporting six bags of urea fertiliser, a substance commonly used in the fabrication of explosives. The driver and vehicle were taken into custody.
The statement added that follow-up intelligence led to the arrest of a fertiliser dealer and the recovery of six additional bags of urea, bringing the total number seized to 12. All suspects and recovered items are undergoing further investigation.
The military said its troops continue to maintain an aggressive operational posture across the North East to restrict the movement and activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
Culled from: Eaglesfm.
