Military Unmasks Mastermind of North-East Suicide Bombing, Busts Armed Cult Gang in Delta
The Nigerian military has recorded major security breakthroughs across the country with the identification of the alleged ringleader of a suicide bombing network in the North-East and the dismantling of an armed criminal gang in Delta State.
In the North-East, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have identified one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the suspected principal coordinator of recent suicide bombing attacks, including the December 24, 2025 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted on December 31, 2025, in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.
Disclosing the development in a statement issued in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said investigations uncovered the structure and operational linkages of the terror cell. He explained that a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided critical information that directly implicated Umar as the mastermind of the network.
According to the military, Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing and deploying suicide bombers, coordinating logistics and delivering improvised explosive device (IED) components. Investigations further revealed that he coordinated the Gamboru Market Mosque attack, in which his accomplice, Adamu, now deceased, detonated a suicide vest.
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Umar was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he allegedly personally handed over IED components to the intended bomber. The military added that Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and his stepdaughter, Amina, were implicated after corroborating statements indicated that the suspect bomber had previously been seen in their residence.
All suspects, the military said, remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives.
Lt. Col. Uba called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains vital to preventing terrorist attacks and saving lives.
Meanwhile, in the South-South, troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, have bursted a criminal gang and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, carried out around Ibusa following credible intelligence, led to the arrest of two suspected criminals, believed to be members of a notorious cult group. During the operation, troops recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects, while an additional three pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals posing as local vigilantes.
In a follow-up operation, troops combed the Umuisiagba area, leading to the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles and the arrest of 13 suspects, including a native doctor allegedly linked to the criminal network.
The suspects and recovered weapons have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Commending the troops for their vigilance, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, charged them to sustain the clampdown on criminal networks. He reassured residents of Delta State and its environs of the military’s commitment to prioritising the safety of lives and property.
The twin operations underscore the military’s ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist and criminal networks across Nigeria through intelligence-driven operations and community collaboration.
By PRNigeria
