Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network behind recent attacks in the North-East, including the Maiduguri mosque bombing.
The arrest came after intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, which led to the detention of 14 individuals linked to suicide bombing activities. Investigations following the operation uncovered the structure, roles, and operational connections of the terror cell.
A suspected suicide bomber in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, named Umar as the ringleader responsible for recruiting, preparing, and sending suicide attackers to their targets. “Consistent and corroborated statements revealed that Shariff Umar coordinated logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components for suicide attacks,” the Army stated.
Umar was directly linked to the suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where his accomplice, Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died. He was also involved in a foiled suicide attack in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the would-be bomber in Maiduguri.
Investigations further implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their residence prior to the attack. The Army said these findings revealed the domestic and community-based methods terrorist facilitators use to conceal operations.
All suspects remain in custody, undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical materials.
The military emphasized that the breakthrough demonstrates the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities, noting that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within civilian populations. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that continued cooperation is essential for preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace in the North-East.
