The Nigerian military has identified one Shariff Umar as the alleged mastermind behind a network of suicide bombings linked to recent deadly attacks in the North-East, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The identification followed intelligence-driven operations by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
The breakthrough came after a series of cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects believed to be connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba. He said investigations had uncovered the structure, roles and operational links of the terror cell.
According to the statement, Umar, also known as Yusuf, was identified as the principal coordinator of the network following detailed investigations and interrogations of suspects arrested during the operation.
“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent investigations established the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell,” the statement said.
The military said a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, who is believed to be a would-be suicide bomber, provided key information that directly implicated Shariff Umar as the ringleader of the network.
“During interrogation, Ibrahim Muhammad unequivocally identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” the statement added.
Lt. Col. Uba explained that Umar was responsible for recruiting, training and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and supplying components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Investigations also revealed that Umar allegedly coordinated 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 further accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he allegedly handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri.
The military said further links within the network were uncovered, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly confirmed having previously seen a suspected bomber in their residence.
“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 statement said.
The military urged residents of the region to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, stressing that cooperation between security forces and civilians remains critical to preventing attacks and saving lives.
