Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a s¥icide bombing network linked to recent att+cks and attempted att+cks in the North-East.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
According to the statement, the operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to s¥icide bombing activities. Subsequent investigations exposed the structure, roles and operational linkages of the t%rror cell.
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The Army said a suspected s¥icide b+mber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Umar as the ringleader responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching s¥icide b+mbers to designated targets.
Investigators also revealed that Umar coordinated logistics and supplied components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used for the att+cks.
It was further established that Umar directly coordinated the s¥icide b+mbing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a s¥icide vest and d+ed.
He was also linked to a foiled s¥icide b+mbing attempt in Damaturu, having allegedly handed over IED components to the intended b+mber in Maiduguri.
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The statement added that further intelligence uncovered the involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected b+mber in their residence prior to the att+ck.
The Army said this highlighted the domestic and community-based concealment methods used by t+rrorists facilitators.
All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering remaining explosives and logistics.
The Army stressed that the development underscored the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the public, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help prevent future att+cks and restore lasting peace in the region.
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