THE Nigerian military has identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the suspected principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent deadly attacks in the North-East, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
News Point Nigeria reports that the identification followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which led to the arrest of multiple suspects believed to be connected to suicide bombing activities.
The breakthrough came after cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects were apprehended.
The development was disclosed on Saturday in Maiduguri in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who said investigations had exposed the structure, roles and operational linkages within the terror cell.
“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested,” the statement said.
“Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell.”
According to the military, a detained suspect identified as Ibrahim Muhammad, believed to be a would-be suicide bomber, provided crucial information during interrogation that directly implicated Shariff Umar as the network’s leader.
“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,” the statement said.
Lt. Col. Uba explained that Umar was allegedly responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components.
“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 IED components,” the military said.
Investigations further revealed that Umar allegedly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which an accomplice identified as Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.
“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025,” the statement added.
The military also accused Umar of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
“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,” the statement said.
Further investigations uncovered additional links within the network, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and confirmation from his stepdaughter, Amina.
“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 disclosed.
The military said all suspects arrested in connection with the network remain in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the cell completely.
“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the statement said.
Lt. Col. Uba stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the public, noting that terror networks often survive by blending into communities.
“OPHK underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace,” he said.
“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.”
The military urged residents of the North-East to continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to authorities as operations to neutralise terror networks continue across the region.