Yobe State Arrests Suspect Linked to Maiduguri Mosque Bomb Blast

Damaturu, Yobe State Authorities in Yobe State have successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be connected to the December 24, 2025, bombing incident at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed, was arrested by a vigilant local security group in Damaturu.

Following his arrest, Mohammed was immediately handed over to the troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), part of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, for further investigation and security processing.

Brigadier-General (retd.) Abdulsalam Abubakar, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, confirmed the arrest in Damaturu yesterday.

According to Nigerian news agency reports (NAN), the vigilante group that carried out the arrest is officially recognized as part of the state’s security architecture. The group receives funding from the Yobe State Government and operates under the coordination of the Nigerian military to support regional security efforts.

Brig.-Gen. Abubakar revealed that Ibrahim Mohammed was apprehended on December 29, 2025, after being allegedly tasked by insurgents to conduct surveillance on military troop movements and vigilante operations within Yobe State. The suspect’s profile was carefully analyzed by military personnel and sister security agencies before being transferred to the Theatre Command headquarters, OPHK, in Maiduguri, Borno State, for thorough investigation.

The security official expressed confidence that detailed interrogation of Mohammed would provide critical intelligence, potentially leading to the arrest of his accomplices and leaders of the insurgent cell involved.

Additionally, Abubakar disclosed that Mohammed confessed to planting another explosive device in a Maiduguri market and has urged security operatives to locate and safely defuse the device to prevent further casualties.

In conclusion, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar called on residents of Yobe and neighboring states to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid in the fight against terrorism and criminal activities. He emphasized that community vigilance remains a key element in maintaining peace and security across the region.