By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
The Nigerian military has identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the suspected principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent deadly attacks and attempted strikes across the North-East, including the December 24, 2025 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The discovery followed intelligence-led operations carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
The breakthrough came after a series of cordon-and-search operations conducted 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.
According to the statement, detailed investigations following the arrests uncovered the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.
“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested,” the statement said.
The military revealed that a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided critical information during interrogation, directly implicating Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the network.
“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber, currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” Lt. Col. Uba stated.
According to the military, Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and deploying bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components.
Investigations further revealed that Umar allegedly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, while also organizing a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he was said to have personally supplied IED components.
The military also uncovered additional links within the network, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and corroborating testimony from his stepdaughter, Amina, who reportedly confirmed having previously seen a suspect bomber at 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 military called on residents of the region to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely, credible information.
“This success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
“Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks, saving innocent lives.”
