Troops identify Shariff Umar as mastermind of suicide bombing network in North East

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have identified Shariff Umar as the chief coordinator of suicide bombing operations linked to recent attacks in the region.

The troops also uncovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri metropolis, further highlighting the impact of ongoing intelligence-led security operations across the North East.

These developments were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

According to the statement, Umar was identified following intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell,” the statement said.

Lt. Col. Uba explained that a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, clearly identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the ringleader of the network.

“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network. According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components,” he said.

Investigations further revealed that Umar coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which an accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest. He was also linked to the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, where he allegedly personally handed over IED components to a bomber in Maiduguri.

The statement added that investigators established additional links within the network, including the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber in their residence.

“These findings significantly strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators,” Uba said.

“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” he added.

Uba stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and civilians, noting that terrorist groups often survive by hiding within communities.

“OPHK underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace. Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” he said.

In a related operation, troops discovered a cache of ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area following sustained surveillance and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search exercise.

“The recovery followed a sustained presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, conducted on the basis of actionable intelligence aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action especially with multiple suicide bombers either neutralised or captured in the last week,” the statement noted.

Lt. Col. Uba said that at about 3:00 p.m. on 2 January 2026, troops received a distress call reporting suspicious metallic objects inside a drainage channel in the area.

“Troops and Police EOD Teams immediately mobilised to the location to assess the situation and secure the environment,” he said.

A search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, some live 12.7mm rounds, and power banks concealed within the drainage.

Preliminary steps were taken to secure the site, while efforts continue to drain the channel to check for additional dangerous items. Troops, alongside the police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the area to ensure public safety and prevent any attempt to recover the items.

“No casualties or unusual incidents were recorded during the operation. The general security situation remains calm and vigilance is being maintained in view of the unpredictable nature of the threat environment,” Uba said.

He added that the successful recovery further demonstrated the value of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure, and community cooperation.

“Headquarters OPHK once again urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as collective responsibility remains key to sustaining peace and security in the North East,” the statement concluded.

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