Nigerian Army has arrested 14 suspected terrorists linked to suicide bombing activities in the north-east and identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the alleged coordinator of the network behind recent attacks.
Gatekeepers News reports that troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations on December 31 in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, Borno State, leading to the arrests. The suspects are believed to be connected to the planning and execution of suicide bombings and the movement of explosive materials.
Speaking on Saturday, Sani Uba, a lieutenant-colonel and the operation’s media information officer, said preliminary investigations revealed that Umar played a central role in the network, supervising the recruitment, training, and deployment of suicide bombers, as well as the handling of improvised explosive device components.
Uba said, “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.”
According to the army, further findings showed that Umar coordinated the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, where an accomplice identified as Adamu detonated an explosive vest.
He was also linked to a foiled suicide attack in Damaturu, with investigators alleging that he personally supplied IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri before the failed operation.
Uba added that investigators uncovered additional links within the group, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu. His stepdaughter, Amina, reportedly told investigators that she had previously seen one of the suspected bombers inside their home.
He said, “These revelations exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators to evade detection.”
The army said all suspects remain in custody and are undergoing detailed investigations aimed at dismantling the entire network, identifying other collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistics.
The operation noted that the arrests underscored the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies and residents.
Uba urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that community support remains critical to preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace in the region.
