Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North-East.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
According to the statement, the operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities. Subsequent investigations exposed the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell.
The Army said a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Umar as the ringleader responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers to designated targets.
Investigators also revealed that Umar coordinated logistics and supplied components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used for the attacks.
It was further established that Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died.
He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, having allegedly handed over IED components to the intended bomber in Maiduguri.
The statement added that further intelligence uncovered the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber in their residence prior to the attack.
The Army said this highlighted the domestic and community-based concealment methods used by terrorist facilitators.
All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering remaining explosives and logistics.
The Army stressed that the development underscored the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the public, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help prevent future attacks and restore lasting peace in the region.
