The Nigerian Army has identified Shariff Umar as the main coordinator of suicide bombing attacks in the North-East.
The identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the army said investigations revealed that Umar, also known as Yusuf, was responsible for recruiting, preparing and sending suicide bombers to carry out attacks in the region.
He said Umar also coordinated the supply of materials used to make improvised explosive devices and directed bombers to their targets.
According to the army, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Umar as the leader of the network during interrogation.
The statement said Umar coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice detonated an explosive vest. He was also linked to a planned suicide attack in Damaturu, which was later foiled by security forces.
Investigations further established links between Umar and members of his household, including his wife, Yagana Modu, and his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to seeing the suspect bomber in their residence.
Uba said all suspects are still in custody and are undergoing further investigation to dismantle the entire network and recover any remaining explosives.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies, noting that cooperation from citizens is vital to preventing attacks and restoring peace in the region.
