Breaking: This Is The Ringleader Of The Northeast Bombings –Military

The Nigerian military has unmasked alleged ringleader of the northeast bombings that have ravaged homes, unsettled settlements and stirred awesome fear in and around the area.

It identified the man as one Shariff Umar, stating that he was the coordinator of the bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri which occurred on December 24.

He is alleged to have masterminded other deadly bombings that rocked other spots within the northeast region of the country.

The capture of Shariff Umar followed effectively coordinated operations by the Nigerian military, beginning with a credible intelligence which tracked his network.

He is a big fish amongst other suspected criminals netted by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK)

This followed a December 31, 2025 cordon-and-search operations which spanned the Kalmari area of Maiduguri and during which a total 14 suspects were arrested.

Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, providing further insights into the operations of the group and the eventual bursting, said in a statement:

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“This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

“Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.”

“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.

“According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest,” the statement said.

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“He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri,” the statement said.

“Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence.”

“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the statement also said.

“OPHK underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace. Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty.

“Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives” , Uba stated.