Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a suspect allegedly responsible for the suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri that killed five people and injured 34 others.
The suspect, identified as Sheriff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” was described by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operation’s spokesman, as a key coordinator of recent suicide bombing activities in the North East. The arrest followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing were detained.
Investigations revealed that Umar recruited, prepared, and directed suicide bombers, coordinated logistics, and managed the delivery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He was allegedly involved in the December 24, 2025, bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, in which a suicide bomber named Adamu detonated a vest, killing himself and others. He is also linked to a foiled bombing attempt in Damaturu.
Further inquiry uncovered connections to his household, including his wife, Yagana Modu, and stepdaughter, Amina, who reportedly witnessed activities linked to the terror cell. All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to dismantle the network and recover explosives.
The military emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities, noting that timely information can prevent attacks and save lives.
Security agencies continue to strengthen operations in the North East, aiming to bring all members of terrorist networks to justice and restore peace to affected communities.
