By Harriet Tornguvan
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has identified Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks across Nigeria’s North East.
The military said the breakthrough followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, Borno State, during which 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
According to OPHK, detailed investigations and identification processes revealed the structure, roles and operational links of the terror cell. A suspect currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the ringleader responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers to designated targets.
Investigators said Umar coordinated logistics for the network, including the provision and delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components.
The military further disclosed that Umar was directly linked to the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, in which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died in the process.
He was also implicated in a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, having allegedly handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri.
Further investigations established links between Umar and members of his household. His wife, Yagana Modu, was identified as part of the network, while his stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly confirmed having previously seen a suspected bomber within their residence. The military said these findings exposed the domestic concealment methods often used by terrorist facilitators.
All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing further investigation aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.
OPHK stressed that the operation underscored the importance of cooperation between security forces and the public, noting that terrorist networks often survive by blending into communities.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies, as timely information remains critical to preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace in the region.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
