EXCLUSIVE: Army troops of OPHK arrest two suicide bombers in connection to Maiduguri Mosque attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded a major operational success in Borno and Yobe states with the arrest of two suspected suicide bombers and the disruption of critical logistics networks sustaining Boko Haram terror activities.

One of the suspects was apprehended in Banki town during joint operations and intelligence-led patrols by troops deployed under the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), while the second was earlier arrested in Damaturu, Yobe State, in connection with the Dec. 24 suicide bomb attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque.

Zagazola report that the attack was part of the coordinated plans by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) elements to execute suicide bombings and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks across parts of the North-East zone.

It was gathered that a Boko Haram team led by a notorious IED expert, Munzir Abu Ziyadah, allegedly prepared up to 10 person-borne improvised explosive device (PBIED) attacks from the Ali Ngulde camp axis.

The terrorists reportedly moved through the Ngoshe Mountains towards Gazuwa and Ngom, infiltrating several communities in Borno State ahead of planned attacks. One of the terrorists successfully detonated his explosive at Gamboru Market Mosque on Dec. 24, killing five worshippers and injuring 32 others.

Shortly after the Maiduguri bomb blast, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, directed a shift from routine presence to hunter-killer and pre-emptive interdiction operations across the theater.

The Theatre Commander ordered an immediate reconfiguration of forces, with emphasis on intelligence-led operations, layered security around places of worship and markets, and tighter control of movement corridors within Maiduguri and adjoining frontline communities.

Zagazola reliably informed that at about 5:40 p.m. on Dec. 29, troops deployed at the Banki Central Mosque intercepted a suspected suicide bomber in possession of primed improvised explosive device (IED) materials.

The sources said that further investigation revealed additional incriminating IED materials in the suspect’s possession, while he was currently undergoing detailed interrogation.

Meanwhile, investigations into the Dec. 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri have also recorded fresh breakthroughs with the arrest and repatriation of another suspected suicide bomber in Yobe state.

Zagazola learnt that the suspect, identified as Ibrahim, was arrested in Damaturu by hunters’ group working in collaboration with Operation Hadin Kai and was brought back to Maiduguri on Dec. 29 for further interrogation.

The source said Ibrahim was taken to the Izala Mosque in the Tashan Joni area of Maiduguri, where he identified a spot he claimed to have dropped a bag containing an IED after he could not get close enough to detonate it. “However, the bag was not found at the indicated location,” the source said.

Further interrogation reportedly led the suspect to confess that he planted another bomb in a bag at the entrance of the Gamboru Market Mosque on Dec. 24, while his accomplice, identified as Adamu, now deceased, entered the mosque wearing a suicide vest which was detonated inside the mosque.

The suspect also disclosed that six suicide bombers were deployed to Maiduguri ahead of the attack under the coordination of a terror kingpin.

He reportedly named three of the bombers Salisu, Yusuf and Adamu as residents of Maiduguri, while the remaining three another Adamu, Yusuf and Abdullahi, allegedly came from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

However, in a related operation, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertilizer, identified as a key component in the manufacture of IEDs.

According to the sources, the driver and the consignment were taken into custody, while follow-up operations led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer and recovery of an additional six bags of urea fertilizer.

The arrests and seizures illustrated 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 civilian and religious targets across Borno State.

EXCLUSIVE: Army troops of OPHK arrest two suicide bombers in connection to Maiduguri Mosque attack

Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected drug peddler and member of a criminal gang was killed during a police operation at Sabuwar Anguwa, Katsina Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Zagazola report that on Dec. 27, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., the Central Market Surveillance Team, led by ASP Audu Isah, acting on credible intelligence, raided the location and arrested one Uzairu Abubakar, also known as Uzairu Kuda, a notorious drug dealer and member of the Kauraye miscreants.

The sources said the suspect was found in possession of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, Pregabalin tablets, and Colorado. During the arrest, he resisted and raised an alarm, prompting gang members to attack the police team.

The assailants reportedly stoned the back screen of a covert Honda Jazz vehicle.

According to the sources, the suspect drew a knife and stabbed the second-in-command of the surveillance team, ASP Ibrahim Yusuf, on the neck. In the ensuing confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, injuring the suspect, who was taken to General Hospital Katsina and confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Exhibits, including the suspected drugs and weapon, were recovered, and the corpse was released to the family for burial.

Investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being sustained to apprehend other members of the gang.

Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina

One killed, livestock rustled as bandits attack Fulani settlements in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed bandits have killed one person and rustled livestock following attacks on two Fulani settlement camps on the outskirts of Kauyen Gabas Village, Karare District, Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A source told Zagazola Makama on Monday that the attacks occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.

According to the source, the bandits entered the settlements, shot one person fatally, and made away with an unascertained number of livestock.

“Troops and other security forces from the neighboring areas have blocked anticipated exit routes, and cordon and search operations are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and recover the rustled animals,” the source said.

Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to ensure safety and security.

One killed, livestock rustled as bandits attack Fulani settlements in Katsina