Nigerian Military’s OPHK Identifies Shariff Umar as Key Suspected Coordinator of Suicide Bombing Network in the North East, Calls for Public Cooperation
By Our Reporter
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by identifying Shariff Umar as the primary coordinator behind suicide bombing operations linked to recent attacks and attempted strikes in the North East region.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, this development stemmed from intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations carried out in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During these operations, 14 individuals suspected of involvement in suicide bombing activities were apprehended.
In the course of the investigation, a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, clearly identified Shariff Umar (also known as “Yusuf”) as the mastermind and leader of the terrorist network.
Further probes uncovered that Shariff Umar orchestrated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where his associate, Adamu (now deceased), detonated an explosive vest. He was also pinpointed as the organiser of a thwarted suicide bombing plot in Damaturu, having personally delivered IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri.
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Additional connections in the network were uncovered, including the role of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and corroboration from his stepdaughter, Amina, who confessed to having seen the suspected bomber at their home previously.
These revelations have bolstered the investigation and highlighted the use of household and community-based hiding tactics by terrorist enablers.
The public is therefore encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious individuals, activities, or movements to security forces.
Building trust and collaboration between the military and local communities is crucial for eradicating terrorism and achieving enduring peace in the region.
