Nigerian Army identifies kingpin of North-East attacks

Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai has identified one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North-East.

The identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted on Dec. 31, 2025, at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

Confirming the development on SaturdaNigerian Army identifiesy, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said investigations revealed that Shariff Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device components.

“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” Uba said.

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He disclosed that intelligence findings further established that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on Dec. 24, 2025, where an accomplice identified as Adamu detonated a suicide vest.

Uba added that the suspect was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, noting that Umar personally handed over improvised explosive device components to the bomber in Maiduguri before the failed attack.

According to him, investigations uncovered additional links within the network, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspected bomber within their residence.

“These revelations expose the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators to evade detection,” he said.

Uba stated that all suspects arrested in connection with the network remained in custody and were undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the entire cell, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistics.

He emphasised that the breakthrough underscored the importance of sustained intelligence operations and strong cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

“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,” Uba said.

The spokesman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to security agencies, stressing that cooperation and trust between the military and civilians were critical to restoring lasting peace in the North-East.

NAN