Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has announced a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism operations with the identification of Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the principal coordinator of suicide bombing activities linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in Nigeria’s North East.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI,in a release said the breakthrough followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
According to him, detailed identification and investigative processes carried out after the arrests helped security forces establish the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell. He disclosed that during interrogation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the network.
Lt. Col. Uba explained that corroborated statements revealed that Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
He further revealed that investigations established Shariff Umar’s direct coordination of the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest. He was also identified as the coordinator of a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, where he allegedly personally handed over IED components to a suicide bomber in Maiduguri.
The military spokesman added that additional links within the network were uncovered, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspected bomber within their residence. These findings, he said, further exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods used by terrorist facilitators.
“All suspects are currently in custody and undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” Lt. Col. Uba stated.
He emphasized that the success of the operation once again underscores the critical role of cooperation between security forces and the civil populace, noting that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities. He therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that trust and cooperation are essential to restoring lasting peace in the region.
