Nigerian Military Arrests Shariff Umar, Alleged Mastermind of North-East Suicide Bombings Including Deadly Maiduguri Mosque Attack

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for multiple attacks and attempted attacks across Nigeria’s North-East region, including the Maiduguri mosque bombing. The arrest followed intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.

According to a military statement, 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were apprehended during the operation. Investigations revealed that Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing, and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and supplying improvised explosive device (IED) components. A detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly identified Umar as the ringleader of the terror cell.

The military said Umar directly coordinated the December 24, 2025, suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, where the attacker detonated a suicide vest and died. He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, having allegedly handed over IED materials to the intended bomber in Maiduguri. Further investigations implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their residence prior to the attack.

The Nigerian Army said all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive interrogation to dismantle the network, uncover additional collaborators, and recover remaining explosives. The military emphasised the importance of community cooperation, noting that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within civilian populations, and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Nigerian Military Arrests Shariff Umar, Alleged Mastermind of North-East Suicide Bombings Including Deadly Maiduguri Mosque Attack Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the key coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for multiple attacks and attempted attacks across Nigeria’s North-East region, including the Maiduguri mosque bombing. The arrest followed intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. According to a military statement, 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were apprehended during the operation. Investigations revealed that Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing, and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and supplying improvised explosive device (IED) components. A detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly identified Umar as the ringleader of the terror cell. The military said Umar directly coordinated the December 24, 2025, suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, where the attacker detonated a suicide vest and died. He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, having allegedly handed over IED materials to the intended bomber in Maiduguri. Further investigations implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their residence prior to the attack. The Nigerian Army said all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive interrogation to dismantle the network, uncover additional collaborators, and recover remaining explosives. The military emphasised the importance of community cooperation, noting that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within civilian populations, and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
0 Comments ·0 Shares ·153 Views
Fintter https://fintter.com