From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has identified Shariff Umar as the key coordinator behind a string of recent suicide bombing attempts and attacks in the North-East, following intelligence-led operations by the Military Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components used in the attacks.
Speaking on the arrest of 14 suspects during cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, Uba said, subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes helped security forces establish the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell operating in the region.
He revealed that a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf”, as the ringleader and coordinator of the network. Corroborated statements from other suspects further confirmed Umar’s central role in recruiting and directing suicide bombers and coordinating the delivery of IED components.
Further investigations, Uba said, showed that Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, in which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.
“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 OPHK spokesperson said.
The Army also established additional links within the terror network, including the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspected bomber within their residence.
Uba said these revelations significantly strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the domestic and community-based concealment strategies employed by terrorist facilitators.
He added that all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.
The Army noted that the success recorded underscored the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
“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,” Uba said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that sustained cooperation and trust between OPHK troops and civilians are vital to completely rooting out terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the North-East.
