Troops arrest alleged mastermind of Maiduguri mosque bombing

Troops of Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ (OPHK) have arrested a suspect who is alleged to have masterminded the bomb explosion that killed five persons and injured 34 others after a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno state.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued by the operation’s spokesman, Sani Uba, a lieutenant colonel, who described the suspect, identified as Sheriff Umar, as a key coordinator of suicide bombing activities linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North East.

According to the statement, the arrest followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.

During the operation, 14 suspects allegedly connected to suicide bombing activities were taken into custody.

“Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell,” Uba said.

He added that during investigations, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Sheriff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the alleged ringleader and coordinator of the network.

“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 the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components,” the spokesman said.

Uba further stated that investigations revealed the suspect allegedly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which an accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died in the explosion.

He added that the suspect was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, where he allegedly handed over IED components to an intended bomber.

The army spokesman said further links within the network were uncovered, including the alleged involvement of the suspect’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly confirmed seeing a suspected bomber within their residence.

“These findings significantly strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators,” Uba said.

He noted that all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.

The military also underscored the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

“Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most effective tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” the statement said.

Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, as cooperation and trust are essential to restoring lasting peace in the region.

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