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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the identification of Shariff Umar as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network operating in the North East.
The discovery was announced by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) following intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities.
According to the military, investigations revealed that Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, served as the principal recruiter, planner and dispatcher of suicide bombers responsible for recent deadly attacks and attempted attacks in the region.
A suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader of the terror cell, stating that he coordinated the recruitment, preparation and deployment of bombers, as well as the supply of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
“Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, in addition to coordinating logistics and delivery of IED components,” the army said.
OPHK further disclosed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice identified as Adamu (now deceased) detonated a suicide vest.
He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, during which he allegedly handed over explosive materials to a bomber in Maiduguri before the plot was disrupted by security forces.
Investigations also uncovered the involvement of close family members in concealing terrorist activities. The suspect’s wife, Yagana Modu, and his stepdaughter, Amina, were linked to the network, with the latter admitting she had previously seen the suspected bomber inside their residence.
“These findings exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods used by terrorist facilitators,” the military noted.
All suspects arrested during the operation are currently in custody and undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the entire network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.
OPHK emphasized that the breakthrough highlights the importance of collaboration between security agencies and civilians, noting that terrorist groups often survive by hiding within communities.
“Terrorist networks thrive by exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving lives,” the statement said.
The military therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that cooperation between troops and local communities is critical to restoring lasting peace in the North East.