The Nigerian Army, under Operation Hadin Kai, has identified a key coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North-East, including the deadly explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Army said the suspect, Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, was unmasked following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted on December 31, 2025, at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, during which 14 suspects were arrested.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt-Col Sani Uba, said investigations revealed that Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device components.
According to him, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Umar as the ringleader of the terror network during interrogation.
Uba disclosed that intelligence findings established that Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest.
He added that the suspect was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, noting that Umar personally handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri before the failed operation.
The Army spokesman said further investigations uncovered additional links within the network, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly confirmed having seen one of the suspect bombers in their residence.
“These revelations have exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods often employed by terrorist facilitators to evade detection,” Uba said.
He explained that all suspects arrested in connection with the network remained in custody and were undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the entire cell, identifying collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistics.
Uba stressed that the breakthrough underscored the importance of sustained intelligence operations and close cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, adding that trust and collaboration between civilians and the military were critical to restoring lasting peace in the North-East.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorist elements in the region.
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