•Command insists operation was police-led, dismisses IED recovery reports
The Borno State Police Command has refuted claims by the Nigerian Army that its troops arrested a suspected suicide bomber in Banki, Bama Local Government Area, describing the reports as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued early Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, clarified that operatives of the state police command apprehended the suspect, Abubakar Mustapha, on Monday evening during a surveillance operation around a local mosque.
“The suspect is in police custody, and the items recovered from him comprised electrical wires, old mobile phone batteries, scrap materials, and pairs of shoes—not an active improvised explosive device as claimed,” Daso emphasized.
The rebuttal follows an earlier announcement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, who stated on Tuesday that troops had arrested the suspect and intercepted materials intended for manufacturing IEDs.
ASP Daso warned the public against circulating unverified information, urging reliance on official channels for accurate updates. He confirmed that the suspect is undergoing detailed investigation to determine the intent and possible links to terrorist activities.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all security agencies to ensure the safety of residents in the state.
