Nigerian Army Arrests Mastermind Behind North-East Suicide Bombings
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have apprehended Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the mastermind behind a suicide bombing network responsible for recent attacks in the North-East, including the Maiduguri mosque bombing. The military said the arrest followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations at Kalmari, Maiduguri, on December 31, which resulted in the detention of 14 individuals linked to suicide attacks. Investigations have since revealed the network’s structure, key roles, and operational links. A suspected suicide bomber in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, named Umar as the ringleader who recruited, trained, and dispatched suicide attackers to their targets. “Consistent and corroborated statements revealed that Shariff Umar coordinated logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components for suicide attacks,” the Army stated. Umar was confirmed to have directed the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, in which his accomplice, Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died. He was also tied to a foiled attack in Damaturu, personally handing IED components to the would-be bomber in Maiduguri. Further investigations implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their home prior to the attack. The Army said these findings exposed how terrorist facilitators use domestic and community networks to conceal their operations. All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying other collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical materials. The military highlighted that the operation underscores the need for close cooperation between security agencies and civilians, warning that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that sustained cooperation is vital to preventing attacks and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
