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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded a major operational success in Borno and Yobe States, arresting two suspected suicide bombers and disrupting critical logistics networks supporting Boko Haram activities.
One suspect was apprehended in Banki town during joint operations and intelligence-led patrols conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), while the second was arrested earlier in Damaturu, Yobe State, in connection with the December 24 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack was part of coordinated plans by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) to execute suicide bombings and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks across the North-East. A Boko Haram team led by notorious IED expert Munzir Abu Ziyadah reportedly prepared up to 10 person-borne IED (PBIED) attacks from the Ali Ngulde camp axis.
The terrorists allegedly moved through the Ngoshe Mountains towards Gazuwa and Ngom, infiltrating several communities in Borno State ahead of the attacks. One of the attackers successfully detonated an explosive at Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, killing five worshippers and injuring 32 others.
Following the Maiduguri bombing, the Theatre Commander of JTF North East, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, ordered a shift from routine presence to hunter-killer and pre-emptive interdiction operations across the theatre. Forces were reconfigured with emphasis on intelligence-led operations, layered security around worship places and markets, and tighter control of movement corridors in Maiduguri and adjoining communities.
On December 29, troops deployed at Banki Central Mosque intercepted a suspected suicide bomber in possession of primed IED materials. Further investigation revealed additional incriminating items, and the suspect is currently under detailed interrogation.
Investigations into the Gamboru Market Mosque attack also led to the arrest of another suspected suicide bomber in Damaturu, identified as Ibrahim, who was repatriated to Maiduguri for interrogation. Ibrahim revealed that he had planted a bomb near the mosque entrance on December 24, while his accomplice, Adamu (deceased), detonated a suicide vest inside the mosque. He also disclosed that six suicide bombers were deployed to Maiduguri ahead of the attack, naming three from Maiduguri (Salisu, Yusuf, Adamu) and three from Michika LGA, Adamawa State (Adamu, Yusuf, Abdullahi).
In a related operation, troops at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle carrying six bags of urea fertilizer, a key IED component. The driver and the consignment were detained, and follow-up operations led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer and recovery of an additional six bags.
These arrests and seizures underscore the sustained intelligence-driven operations of Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at dismantling suicide bombing cells, cutting off IED supply chains, and preventing further attacks on civilians and religious sites across Borno State.
