Military names mastermind of suicide bombing network in North-East

The Nigerian military has identified one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the suspected principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent deadly attacks in the North-East.

This also included the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.

This, according to the military, followed intelligence-led operations by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which culminated in the arrest of multiple suspects believed to be connected to suicide bombing activities.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri, Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, said the breakthrough came after a series of cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During the operation, 14 suspects were arrested.

Read also: Troops arrest suspected suicide bomber in Borno

According to the statement, subsequent investigations enabled troops to unravel the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell behind recent attacks.

“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell,” the statement said.

The military said a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified as a would-be suicide bomber, 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,” it noted.

According to the statement, investigations revealed that Umar allegedly played a central role in recruiting, preparing and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device (IED) components.

“According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of IED components,” the statement noted.

The military further alleged that Umar personally coordinated the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, in which an accomplice identified as Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.

Umar was also accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he allegedly handed over IED components to a suicide bomber in Maiduguri before the planned attack was disrupted.

The military also uncovered additional links within the network, including the alleged involvement of his wife, Yagana Modu. His stepdaughter, Amina, also reportedly provided corroborating information.

“Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence,” the statement added.

The military said 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 also called on residents of the North-East to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in preventing attacks.

“This success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace.

“Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear or misplaced loyalty,” it said.

It added that timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most effective tools for disrupting terror plots and saving lives.

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