The Nigerian military has announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai have dismantled a suspected suicide bombing network in Adamawa State, arresting eight suspects linked to the recent Gamboru Market Mosque suicide bombing.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance on locations believed to be associated with those who planned and facilitated the attack.
According to Uba, troops carried out a coordinated cordon-and-search operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday. Eight suspects were apprehended during the operation, including two identified as principal facilitators within the suicide bombing network.
A search of the residence led to the recovery of cash, mobile phones, identification documents, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, jewellery and other personal effects. The military said the items are undergoing forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations.
Uba said a suspect already in custody identified the two principal suspects as those who supplied materials used in the preparation of the improvised explosive device deployed in the attack, adding that other occupants of the residence were also linked to the network.
All suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing detailed interrogation, after which they will be handed over for further investigation.
In a related operation, Uba said troops on Sunday, January 4, intercepted suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area of the state. The troops seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, estimated at about 1,125 litres, believed to have been smuggled to support terrorist activities.
He said the suppliers fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the fuel, which has been taken into military custody. No casualties were recorded during the operation.
Uba said the operations underscore the military’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics and supply chains, prevent future attacks and bring perpetrators and collaborators to justice. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies in sustaining peace across the North-East.
