Borno Mosque Bombing: Troops Arrest Eight Suspects, Nab Key IED Suppliers

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested eight suspects in connection with the December 24 suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamborun Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of at least five worshippers and left 35 others injured.

The arrest, according to the military, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle suicide bombing networks operating in the North-East.

Naija News reports that the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the suspects were arrested in the early hours of the day during a targeted operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Uba said that among those arrested were two principal suspects “believed to be key facilitators within the suicide bombing network” responsible for the deadly mosque attack in Maiduguri.

He explained that a search conducted at the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several items believed to be vital to the investigation.

“A search of the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of cash, mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery, and other personal effects, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations,” Uba said.

The army spokesperson further revealed that during identification procedures, a suspect already in military custody positively identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in the preparation of the improvised explosive device used in the attack.

“During identification procedures, a suspect already in custody positively identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in preparing the Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” he stated.

Uba added that other occupants of the residence were also linked to the suicide bombing network.

“All suspects remain in military custody, undergoing detailed interrogation to facilitate further intelligence recovery before being transferred for continued investigation,” the statement added.

Naija News understands that the army had earlier arrested two suspects in connection with the December 24 bombing.

It had also identified one Shariff Umar as the “principal coordinator” of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks across parts of the North-East, as security agencies intensify efforts to curb insurgent activities in the region.