The Nigerian Military’s counter-terrorism task force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has named Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf”, as the central coordinator behind a series of recent suicide bombings in the Northeast, linking him to both executed and foiled attacks in the region.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted on December 31, 2025, in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri led to the arrest of 14 suspects.
Investigations revealed that Umar was responsible for recruiting, training, and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating the logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
Uba confirmed that Umar orchestrated the December 24, 2025, suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, in which his accomplice, Adamu (deceased), detonated an explosive vest. He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the would-be attacker.
Further inquiries uncovered the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and stepdaughter, Amina, who confirmed having seen the suspect bomber within their residence. These findings have strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the methods terrorist networks use to conceal operations within communities.
“All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations to dismantle the network, identify additional collaborators, and recover remaining explosives or logistical assets”, Uba stated.
He emphasized the crucial role of public cooperation in combating terrorism, warning that terror networks often exploit fear or misplaced loyalty to operate undetected. “Timely information from law-abiding citizens is one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving lives”, he said.
Uba urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and continue collaborating with security agencies, noting that trust between troops and local communities is essential for eradicating terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the region.
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