By Nkechi Eze
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained counter-terrorism campaign with the identification of Shariff Umar as the principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks across the North-East.
The development emerged from intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December 2025, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to suicide bombing activities. According to the military, subsequent identification and investigative processes painstakingly uncovered the internal structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.
Disclosing the details in an official signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the breakthrough was the result of sustained intelligence fusion, careful interrogation, and corroboration of multiple accounts.
He explained that a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided a clear and consistent identification of Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the ringleader and overall coordinator of the network. “Investigations 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 components,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated.
According to the statement, further investigations established that Shariff Umar directly coordinated 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, and was found to have personally handed over IED components to a suicide bomber in Maiduguri.
The investigation also exposed deeper domestic and community-based linkages within the network. Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, was linked to the terror cell, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed that she had previously seen the suspected bomber within their residence. These admissions, he noted, significantly strengthened the investigative trail and shed light on the concealment strategies often used by terrorist facilitators to blend into civilian environments.
“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the OPHK spokesman said.
He stressed that the latest success once again underlines the importance of close cooperation between security forces and the civilian population, noting that terrorist networks often thrive by hiding within communities and exploiting fear, silence, or misplaced loyalty. “Timely and credible information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most effective tools for preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba added.
Operation HADIN KAI therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to security agencies. According to the command, sustained trust and cooperation between troops and local communities are essential to completely rooting out terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East region.
