The Nigerian military has uncovered the alleged coordinator of a deadly suicide bombing ring operating in the North-East, linking him to recent attacks and failed plots across Borno and Yobe states.
The suspect, identified as Shariff Umar, is believed to be the central figure behind the recruitment, preparation and deployment of suicide bombers used in terror operations in the region, including the Christmas Eve attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The discovery followed intelligence-driven operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who carried out cordon-and-search exercises in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During the operation, 14 individuals suspected to be connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
The Joint Task Force said the arrests provided investigators with critical insight into the internal structure and operational flow of the terror cell.
Confirming the development in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said detailed profiling and interrogation of the suspects helped unravel the network and its chain of command.
“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.”
The breakthrough, according to the military, came after a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided information that directly pointed to Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the leader of the group.
“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.”
Investigators said Umar’s responsibilities within the network went beyond recruitment, extending to the logistics of terror operations and the supply of explosive materials.
“According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest.”
The military also linked Umar to a botched suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where the bomber was intercepted before carrying out the attack.
“He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri.”
Further investigation revealed the alleged involvement of close family members in the terror network.
“Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence.”
The military said all suspects are still in custody and are being subjected to thorough investigations to dismantle the network completely and prevent future attacks.
“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.”
Operation Hadin Kai also appealed to residents of the North-East to continue to support security agencies by sharing credible information.
Lt. Col. Uba said community cooperation remains essential to defeating terrorism.
“OPHK 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.”