The North East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has identified one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North East.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent investigations uncovered the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.
A suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader of the network. Investigators established that Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
Further investigations revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 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 personally handed over IED components to a bomber in Maiduguri.
The investigation also uncovered links involving Umar’s immediate family. His wife, Yagana Modu, was implicated, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspected bomber within their residence. These findings exposed the domestic and community-based concealment tactics employed by terrorist facilitators.
OPHK confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.
The task force reiterated the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the public, noting that terrorist networks often survive by blending into communities and exploiting fear or silence.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities, stressing that collaboration with security forces is vital to preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace across the region.
