Army Arrests 14 Terror Suspects, Names Alleged Mastermind of Suicide Bombings in North-east

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the “principal coordinator” of a suicide bombing network linked to recent attacks and attempted attacks in the north-east.

Speaking on the development on Saturday, Sani Uba, lieutenant-colonel and media information officer of the operation, said preliminary investigations indicated that Umar occupied a key position within the network, overseeing the recruitment, preparation and deployment of suicide bombers, as well as the movement of improvised explosive device (IED) components.

He said the identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out on December 31 in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” NAN quoted Uba as saying.

He said further intelligence findings showed that Umar personally coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, during which an accomplice identified as Adamu detonated a suicide vest.

Uba added that the suspect was also connected to a suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, noting that Umar “personally handed over IED components to the bomber” in Maiduguri before the attack was foiled.

According to him, investigators also traced other links within the network, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, told investigators she had previously seen the suspected bomber inside their home.

“These revelations exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators to evade detection,” he said.

Uba said all those arrested in connection with the network remained in custody and were being subjected to intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at breaking up the entire cell, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical materials.

He added that the development highlighted the value of sustained intelligence operations and close collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

“Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” Uba said.

The OPHK spokesman called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, adding that trust and cooperation between the military and civilians were essential to achieving lasting peace in the north-east.