Operation HADIN KAI Identifies Key Suicide Bombing Coordinator in North East Nigeria

Operation HADIN KAI Identifies Key Suicide Bombing Coordinator in North East Nigeria

In a major breakthrough, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has identified Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the principal coordinator behind recent suicide bombing attacks and attempted attacks across the North East.

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The discovery followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations in Maiduguri’s Kalmari area on 31 December 2025, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities. Subsequent investigations revealed the operational structure and roles of the terror cell.

A suspected suicide bomber in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, confirmed Shariff Umar as the ringleader, responsible for recruiting, preparing, and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

Shariff Umar was linked to the 24 December 2025 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, in which his accomplice detonated a vest, and to the foiled attempt in Damaturu, where he personally handed IED materials to the bomber. Investigations also implicated his wife, Yagana Modu, and were corroborated by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted seeing the suspect bomber in their residence.

All suspects remain in custody as OPHK continues multi-layered investigations to dismantle the network, recover explosives, and identify further collaborators.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, OPHK Media Information Officer, emphasized the importance of civilian cooperation, noting that timely intelligence from citizens is crucial in preventing attacks. The public is urged to report suspicious activities to security agencies to help restore peace in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI Identifies Key Suicide Bombing Coordinator in North East Nigeria