Troops Identify Shariff Umar as Mastermind of Suicide Bombing Network in North East

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have identified Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator behind recent suicide bombing attacks in the region.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Saturday, January 3, by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

According to the statement, Umar’s identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During the operation, 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. 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, also known as “Yusuf,” as the ringleader of the network. Investigators said Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing and dispatching suicide bombers to designated targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device (IED) components.

The statement added that Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu, who is now deceased, detonated a suicide vest. He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, where he allegedly personally handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri.

Further investigations established additional links within the network, including the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu. His stepdaughter, Amina, also reportedly confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their residence in the past. Military authorities said these findings exposed how terrorist facilitators exploit family and community ties to conceal their activities.

All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the entire network, identifying more collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.

OPHK noted that the breakthrough underscores the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities, stressing that timely information from citizens remains crucial in preventing attacks and saving lives.