Nigerian troops operating under the Joint Task Force North East have disrupted what security officials say was a potentially imminent terrorist attack in Borno State, following the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials used to manufacture improvised explosive devices.

The operations, carried out under Operation Hadin Kai, targeted Banki Town in Bama Local Government Area, a community that has repeatedly faced security threats due to its proximity to the Cameroon border and long-running insurgent activity in the North East.

Arrest at Banki Central Mosque

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the suspect was apprehended during intelligence-led security operations conducted by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with other security agencies.

Uba said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested at the Banki Central Mosque. He was allegedly found in possession of primed components believed to be intended for use in an improvised explosive device, indicating preparations for an attack.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha is a native of Bama Local Government Area. Security personnel also recovered additional items during follow-up searches, which the military described as incriminating and linked to terrorist activities.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing detailed interrogation. According to the military, investigators are working to determine his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links to terrorist networks operating within Borno State and along the border corridors.

Border Interception Raises Wider Concerns

In a related operation, troops deployed at the Cameroon-Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle transporting six bags of urea fertiliser. Security officials noted that urea fertiliser is commonly used as a key component in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.

The vehicle and its contents were immediately taken into custody for further examination. According to Lieutenant Colonel Uba, intelligence exploitation following the interception led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer linked to the consignment.

Further searches resulted in the recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertiliser, bringing the total number seized to twelve. All suspects connected to the transaction remain in custody pending further investigation and legal action.

Security analysts say the interception highlights the continued use of civilian supply routes to move materials that can be diverted for violent purposes, particularly in border communities where monitoring remains challenging.

Background: Why Banki Remains Strategically Sensitive

Banki Town, located in Bama Local Government Area, has long been considered a strategic flashpoint in the fight against insurgency in the North East. The town sits close to the Cameroon border, making it vulnerable to cross-border movement by terrorist groups such as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Over the years, the area has witnessed attacks on civilians, security formations, and critical infrastructure, leading to repeated displacement and humanitarian concerns. Although military operations have significantly reduced large-scale attacks, security agencies say sleeper cells and logistics networks remain active.

According to security experts, recent operations suggest that extremist groups are increasingly relying on covert tactics, including the use of locally sourced materials and individuals familiar with the terrain, to evade detection.

Military Strategy and Intelligence Operations

The military said the latest arrests reflect sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at tightening security across key population centres and border routes.

Troops, according to the statement, continue to maintain dominance in their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, sustained presence, and coordinated intelligence sharing with other security agencies. The goal, officials said, is to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent attacks on civilians and public infrastructure.

A senior security analyst familiar with counter-insurgency operations in the region, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, said the seizure of fertiliser materials is particularly significant.

“Disrupting supply chains is just as important as neutralising fighters,” the analyst said. “Once you cut access to materials used for explosives, you limit the ability of these groups to carry out mass-casualty attacks.”

The latest operation comes at a time when security agencies are seeking to consolidate recent gains against insurgent groups in Borno and neighbouring states. While large-scale assaults have declined, authorities warn that isolated attacks and attempted bombings remain a threat, especially in areas with returning civilian populations.

The arrest at a place of worship also underscores ongoing concerns about attempts by extremist elements to exploit crowded public spaces. Security officials stress that intelligence cooperation from local residents has become increasingly critical in detecting such threats early.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba reaffirmed that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops under Operation Hadin Kai remain high, adding that military operations are continuing in line with the mandate to restore lasting peace and security in the North East.

Call for Public Cooperation

The military once again urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies. According to officials, actionable intelligence from residents has played a key role in recent successes against terrorist networks.

“The fight against terrorism requires collective effort,” a military spokesperson said. “Community vigilance and cooperation remain essential in preventing attacks and protecting lives.”

As investigations continue, authorities say further details may emerge regarding the networks behind the intercepted materials and the suspected suicide bomber.

What to Watch Next

Security observers will be watching closely for potential follow-up arrests, particularly of financiers and logistics coordinators linked to the fertiliser supply chain. There are also expectations that border monitoring may be tightened further to curb the movement of dual-use materials.

For residents of Banki and surrounding communities, the operation offers cautious reassurance, even as long-term stability in the region continues to depend on sustained security presence, intelligence cooperation, and post-conflict recovery efforts.