Joint Task Force Names Shariff Umar as Coordinator of Suicide Bombing Network in North-east

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Troops of Joint Task Force in the North-east ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ (OPHK) have recorded a breakthrough in their counter-terrorism operations with the identification of Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator of suicide bombing activities responsible for recent attacks within the region.

The same military operation on Friday uncovered a significant cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri metropolis, reinforcing the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the theatre.These were disclosed by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, in a statement issued yesterday in Maiduguri.

The statement said the identification of Umar as the principal coordinator of suicide bombing activities, “followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 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.

“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. “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 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest. He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri.

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

“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.

In a related development, the same troops have uncovered a significant cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area, reinforcing the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations across the theatre.

The Media Officer further said: “The recovery followed a sustained presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, conducted based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action, especially with multiple suicide bombers either neutralised or captured in the last week.”

According to the statement, the troops were alerted to the discovery of suspicious metallic objects inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area.

“Upon arrival, a thorough search led to the discovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, some live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed inside the drainage,” the statement added.