The Nigerian military has identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the suspected coordinator of a suicide bombing network tied to recent attacks across the North-East. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed the development in Maiduguri on Saturday, following intelligence-led raids in the Kalmari area on December 31, 2025, where 14 suspects were arrested. “For over 25 years, leaders of Venezuela have abused their positions of public trust… to import tons of cocaine into the United States,” the document stated.
During investigations, a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, reportedly gave key testimony linking Umar to recruitment, bomber preparation, and supply of IED components. “During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” the statement said. The military further alleged that Umar coordinated the December 24 Gamboru Market Mosque bombing, where a suicide vest was detonated, and also organised a foiled bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe. Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and stepdaughter, Amina, were also named as part of uncovered network links.