Police and Army dispute details of Borno bomber arrest
The Borno State Police Command has refuted claims that the Nigerian Army arrested a suspected suicide bomber in Borno State, stating that the operation was conducted by the police. Abubakar Mustapha was apprehended in Banki, Bama Local Government Area, with items initially believed to be components for an improvised explosive device. Both the Army and police released statements outlining their roles in the arrest, but the police insist that no active IED was found. The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
What we know
- The Nigerian Army announced the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber, Abubakar Mustapha, in Borno State, claiming operational success.
- The Army said the arrest took place at about 5:40 pm on December 29, 2025, near the Banki Central Mosque.
- The police, through spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso, stated that the operation was carried out by police officers, not the Army, and that the suspect is in police custody.
- According to the police, the items recovered from Abubakar Mustapha included electrical wires, old mobile phone batteries, gadget scrap materials, and shoes, with no evidence of an active IED.
- The police warned the public against spreading misinformation and emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s intent.
