The Nigerian military has arrested 14 suspects and identified Shariff Umar as the alleged ringleader behind a network responsible for North-East suicide bombings, including the December 24 attack on the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The disclosure followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said investigations uncovered the structure and operational links of the terror cell responsible for multiple North-East suicide bombings.
According to the military, a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, during interrogation, identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the coordinator of the network.
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Umar was said to be responsible for recruiting, preparing and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device components.
Investigations further revealed that Umar coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque, where his accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest. He was also accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The military added that further links within the network were uncovered, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and confirmation from his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted seeing one of the suspects at their residence.
“All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering remaining explosives,” the statement said, adding that the operation was part of sustained efforts to end North-East suicide bombings.
The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to help prevent future attacks and save lives.