From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have identified one Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator of suicide bombing attacks and attempted attacks in the North-East.
The military said the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations across the region.
In a statement issued to Triumph in Abuja, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, said Umar was uncovered during cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
According to him, 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested during the operation, while subsequent investigations revealed the structure and operational linkages of the terror cell.
Uba said a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the ringleader and coordinator of the network.
He explained that Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device components.
The military spokesman added that investigations revealed that Umar coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died in the process.
He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, during which he allegedly handed over IED components to a suicide bomber in Maiduguri.
Uba further disclosed that investigators established additional links within the network, including the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu.
He said Umar’s stepdaughter, Amina, also confirmed having previously seen the suspected bomber within their residence, a development that strengthened the investigative trail and exposed how terrorists conceal their activities within communities.
“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at completely dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the statement read.
The military stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the civilian population, noting that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities.
Uba urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies, adding that community cooperation remained critical to restoring lasting peace in the North-East.