Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for recent attacks and attempted attacks in Nigeria’s North-East.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday, following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
According to the Army, the operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities. Subsequent investigations revealed the structure, roles and operational connections of the terror cell.
A suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader who recruited, prepared and deployed suicide bombers to designated targets.
Investigations further showed that Umar coordinated logistics and supplied improvised explosive device (IED) components used in the attacks.
The Army said Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice identified as Adamu detonated a suicide vest and died in the process.
He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, after allegedly handing over IED components to the would-be bomber in Maiduguri.
Further intelligence revealed the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their residence prior to the attack.
The Army noted that these findings exposed domestic and community-based concealment tactics used by terrorist facilitators.
All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigation aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistics.
The Army stressed that the breakthrough highlights the importance of cooperation between security agencies and civilians, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to help prevent future attacks and restore lasting peace in the region.
