The Nigerian Armed Forces have revealed that Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, is the alleged mastermind behind a network responsible for recent suicide bombings in the North-East, including the December 24, 2025 attack at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The announcement follows a cordon-and-search operation carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), on December 31 in Maiduguri’s Kalmari area. During the raid, 14 individuals suspected of involvement in terror activities were arrested.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, explained that intelligence gathered from Ibrahim Muhammad, a detained suspected suicide bomber, directly implicated Umar as the coordinator of the terror network.
“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 stated.
According to the military, Umar was responsible for recruiting and training suicide bombers, managing logistical operations, and supplying components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The probe also linked him to orchestrating the December 24 attack at Gamboru Market Mosque, carried out by his accomplice, Adamu, who died during the detonation.
Lt. Col. Uba added that Umar had attempted to carry out another attack in Damaturu, Yobe State, by providing IED components to an operative in Maiduguri. Investigations further revealed that Umar’s family members, including his wife Yagana Modu and stepdaughter Amina, were aware of the bomber’s activities within their residence.
All suspects remain in custody as security forces continue “intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network,” Lt. Col. Uba emphasized.
He also appealed to the public to support security agencies, noting that terrorist cells often rely on fear and silence to operate. Timely information from law-abiding citizens, he said, is one of the most effective ways to prevent attacks and protect innocent lives.
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