By Bavoriat Clara
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism campaign with the identification of Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator of suicide bombing activities linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in the North East.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. According to the statement, the development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, during which 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
Subsequent investigations and detailed identification processes uncovered the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell. A suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the ringleader and coordinator of the network.
Investigators revealed that Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to designated targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components. His role was corroborated through consistent statements from multiple suspects.
Further findings linked Shariff Umar directly to the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, where an accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest. He was also identified as the coordinator of a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, during which he allegedly handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri.
The investigation also established additional links within the network, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspect bomber within their residence. These revelations exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods used by terrorist facilitators.
OPHK stated that all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying collaborators, and recovering remaining explosives and logistics.
The task force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence from law-abiding citizens remains crucial to preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace in the region.
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