The Nigerian military has identified one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the alleged principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for recent deadly attacks in the North-East, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The revelation followed intelligence-driven operations conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
According to a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the breakthrough was achieved after a series of cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During the operation, 14 suspects believed to be linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
Lt. Col. Uba said subsequent investigations uncovered the structure, roles, and operational connections within the terror cell.
“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Detailed identification and investigative processes thereafter established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror network,” the statement read.
The military disclosed that critical information was obtained from a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, who directly implicated Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the network.
“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” Uba stated.
According to the military, Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing, and deploying suicide bombers, while also coordinating logistics and the delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
“Consistent and corroborated statements revealed that Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of IED components,” the statement added.
Investigations further established that Umar directly coordinated the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, during which his accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.
He was also accused of organizing a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he reportedly handed over IED components to the intended bomber in Maiduguri.
Further intelligence uncovered additional links within the network, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and confirmation from his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspected bomber within their residence.
“Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence,” the statement said.
The military confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying other collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.
Lt. Col. Uba also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“Operation Hadin Kai underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace. Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty.
“Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” he said.
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