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 the perpetrators and facilitators of the attack.
The Nigerian military has said that troops of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have dismantled a suspected suicide bombing network in Adamawa State, arresting eight suspects during coordinated cordon-and-search operations 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 the perpetrators and facilitators of the attack.
Uba said that acting on the intelligence, the troops carried out a cordon-and-search operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday.
During the operation, eight suspects were apprehended, including two principal suspects identified as key 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.
According to the military, the recovered items are undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations.
During identification procedures, a suspect already in custody reportedly identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in the preparation of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) deployed in the attack.
Other occupants of the residence were also said to have links to the network.
Uba said that all suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing detailed interrogation to extract further intelligence, after which they will be handed over for continued investigation, the military said.
He stated that in a related operation, the troops on Sunday, January 4, intercepted a large consignment of suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
According to Uba, the troops seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with an estimated total volume of about 1,125 litres, believed to have been smuggled to support terrorist activities.
He said the suppliers fled the scene on sighting the troops, abandoning the petroleum products, which are now in military custody pending further action, adding that no casualties were recorded during the operation.
He said the operations underscored the military’s determination to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics and supply chains, prevent future attacks and bring all perpetrators and collaborators to justice.
Uba also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies, noting that public support remains critical to sustaining security across the North East region.