The Nigerian military has identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the alleged ringleader of a suicide bombing network responsible for recent terror attacks in the North-East, including the December 24, 2025, bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The revelation followed a cordon-and-search operation by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), conducted on December 31 in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, Borno State. During the raid, 14 suspects were arrested.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, said intelligence obtained from a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, implicated Umar as the coordinator of the terror cell.
“During the investigation, Ibrahim Muhammad, currently in custody, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the network,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
According to Uba, Umar was responsible for recruiting and preparing suicide bombers, coordinating logistics, and supplying Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly orchestrated the December 24 attack at Gamboru Market Mosque, during which his accomplice, Adamu (deceased), detonated a suicide vest,” he added.
Uba also disclosed that Umar had planned a failed suicide bombing in Damaturu, Yobe State, providing IED components to another operative in Maiduguri.
The probe revealed involvement of Umar’s family members, including his wife, Yagana Modu, and stepdaughter, Amina. “Additional links within the network were established, with Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and stepdaughter, Amina, confirming prior knowledge of the suspect bomber within their residence,” the military statement said.
All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing “intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network,” according to Lt. Col. Uba.
He urged the public to assist security agencies, highlighting that terrorist cells often exploit fear and silence within communities.
“Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” Uba concluded.
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