Soldiers in Operation Hadin Kai has had a big security victory in Borno State. They caught a man who they think was going to blow himself up and stopped supplies that were going to be used to make improvised explosive devices.
The PUNCH reports that the suspect, Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested on Monday by members of the 152 Task Force Battalion working with other security agencies in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Joint Task Force North-East’s Media Information Officer, said that Mustapha had primed IED parts on him, which showed that he was planning an attack.
“Early investigations showed that the suspect is from the Bama Local Government Area and that he had further evidence linking him to terrorist activity. Sani stated, “He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with terrorist networks operating within the area.”
In a separate event, troops stationed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border stopped a Peugeot automobile with six sacks of urea fertilizer, which is an important ingredient for making IEDs.
More intelligence work led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer and the recovery of six more bags, for a total of twelve bags.
“Military personnel quickly took both the vehicle and the fertilizer into custody. Sani said, “All suspects and items that were found are now in custody for more investigation and any legal action that needs to be taken.”
The military said again that it would protect the North-East and that troops would keep terrorists from moving about freely.
He said, “Troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and a constant presence. This is to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and stop attacks on civilians and important infrastructure.”
The Nigerian Army also said that Operation Fasanyama had a lot of success in the North-West.
The 8 Division, Sector 2 said that troops had seized 189 AK-47 weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and other criminal property while rescuing 1,023 kidnapped victims in long-term operations in Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
At the 2025 Combined West African Social Activities at the Division’s headquarters, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division reported that the operations killed a number of bandit commanders, demolished terrorist camps, and made attacks far less common.
The GOC noted, “These operations have restored confidence among communities and boosted economic activities, as farmers and traders can now get to areas that were once thought to be unsafe.”
The GOC also said that the division has improved its ability to carry out operations by forming special task units that could carry out precise strike-and-destroy missions.
In addition, troop welfare and infrastructure were given first priority. This included upgrading medical facilities, hiring more health workers, and renovating housing blocks.
“The Nigerian Army is still committed to building on its successes and turning our troops into a professional, combat-ready, and tough force. He remarked, “People should stay disciplined, alert, and aware of security.”
Col. Ahmed Abdoul (retd.), the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other traditional leaders were there to support the WASA event, which has been going on since 1901 to bring West African soldiers together and promote cultural integration.
In the same time frame, the Kano State Police Command said they had arrested 3,081 people for serious crimes between January and December 30, 2025. Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said that these arrests took place in 78 Police Divisions, 11 Area Commands, and 7 Tactical Units.
About the Author
