metro

Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

Published

3 weeks ago

December 31, 2025

Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso

Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army have issued conflicting accounts over items allegedly recovered from a suspect arrested in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, raising public concern over the true nature of the incident.

Both security agencies confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as Abubakar, and said preliminary investigations were carried out. However, while the Nigerian Army described the suspect as a would-be suicide bomber in possession of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, the Borno State Police Command dismissed the claim and cautioned against misinformation.

In a statement dated December 30, 2025, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, said troops had apprehended a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted primed IED components.

According to the statement, the arrest followed sustained joint security operations and intelligence-led efforts to secure Banki town by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working alongside other security agencies.

Lt-Col. Uba said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, near the Banki Central Mosque, and was allegedly found in possession of materials indicating an imminent terrorist attack.

READ ALSO:

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities,” the statement said, adding that the suspect was undergoing further interrogation to uncover possible terrorist links and sponsors.

However, hours later, the Borno State Police Command released a counter-statement through its spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, titled ‘Borno Police Command clarifies arrest of suspect over alleged IED materials in Banki LGA, cautions against misinformation’.

The police said it had observed the circulation of social media videos alleging the recovery of IED components and sought to clarify the situation.

According to the police, operatives on surveillance duty around a mosque in Banki LGA at about 6:10 p.m. on December 29, 2025, arrested Abubakar with a bag containing electrical wires, old mobile phone batteries, assorted gadget scrap materials, and pairs of shoes.

The Command stressed that preliminary findings showed no evidence of active IED fabrication or priming, contrary to claims circulating online.

The police added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation, while the suspect remains in custody.

The Command warned the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, urging residents to rely on official and credible sources for accurate updates, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

Up Next

IPOB Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Raises Alarm Over Death Threats to Self, Family

Don't Miss

Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash Faces Possible Reckless Driving Charges

metro

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

READ ALSO:

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

metro

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed by suspected bandits in the Wawa community of Borgu Local Government Area, intensifying concerns over the growing security crisis in rural Niger State.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

READ ALSO:

Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen security operations, while experts warn that continued attacks threaten socioeconomic stability, displace local populations, and erode confidence in local law enforcement.

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

metro

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

READ ALSO:

The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS have remained unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.