The suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was apprehended on Monday by personnel of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies, at Banki town in Bama Local Government Area. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that Mustapha was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating an imminent intent to carry out an attack. The military reaffirmed its commitment to securing the North-East, stressing that troops would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement. The WASA event, a long-standing tradition since 1901 to promote unity and cultural integration among West African soldiers, was attended by the Sokoto State Governor’s representative, Col. Ahmed Abdoul (retd. Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori disclosed that these arrests spanned 78 Police Divisions, 11 Area Commands, and 7 Tactical Units, and included:

Source: Punch December 31, 2025 00:38 UTC