The Nigerian military says it has identified a key figure behind suicide bombing attacks in the North-East, naming Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as a principal coordinator of the operations.

The disclosure followed a series of intelligence-driven actions by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

In a statement released on Saturday, OPHK’s Media Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said Umar was deeply involved in the recruitment, training, and deployment of suicide bombers, in addition to coordinating the supply and movement of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to designated targets across the region.

Uba explained that the breakthrough was achieved after cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects believed to be part of a suicide bombing network.

According to the military, investigations linked Umar to several attacks and attempted attacks, including the December 24, 2025, suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque. “Our findings indicate that Shariff Umar played a key role in that incident, where an accomplice identified as Adamu attacked by detonating a suicide vest,” Uba said.

The military also revealed that Umar was connected to a failed bombing plot in Damaturu, alleging that he personally handed over IED components to the intended bomber before security operatives intercepted the plan.

Further investigations reportedly implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and his stepdaughter, Amina, who told investigators that the suspected bomber had been seen at their residence before the attack.

OPHK described the discoveries as crucial, noting that they shed light on how terrorist groups rely on family ties and community settings to conceal their activities and avoid detection.

“These findings underscore the extent to which terrorist networks exploit domestic and communal environments to operate,” Uba said, stressing that such methods complicate counter-terrorism efforts.

He called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by remaining alert and reporting suspicious movements or individuals, emphasising that cooperation between Operation HADIN KAI and local communities is essential to dismantling terrorist networks and achieving lasting peace in the North-East.