ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Nigerian Army have apprehended a man identified as Sheriff Umar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind recent suicide bombing plots in the north east region.
Military officials say the arrest deals a major blow to terror activities around Maiduguri and surrounding areas. The suspect is accused of coordinating attacks and managing suicide bombers used in deadly missions.
The breakthrough followed a carefully planned security operation conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.
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Soldiers carried out a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence reports, arresting fourteen suspects during the sweep.
After extensive screening and questioning, investigators uncovered a clear command structure within the terror group, with Sheriff Umar emerging as the key coordinator. He is also known by the alias “Yusuf.”
A senior military officer involved in the operation confirmed that a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, directly identified Sheriff Umar as the leader of the network.
Authorities said the confession was detailed and aligned with other findings.
According to the military, Sheriff Umar was responsible for recruiting suicide bombers, overseeing their preparation and deployment, and coordinating logistics, including the supply of explosives and movement instructions.
Investigators also linked him to the suicide attack at Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, in which an accomplice, Adamu, detonated an explosive device and died on the spot.
Security sources revealed that Sheriff Umar was involved in a failed suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, reportedly handing explosive components to the bomber while still in Maiduguri.
Further investigation exposed connections within the suspect’s household. His wife, Yagana Modu, was found to have knowledge of some activities, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed that she had previously seen one of the suspected bombers in their home.
Military officials noted that this discovery highlights how terror groups can operate within families and local communities, using domestic spaces to conceal criminal activities.
All suspects arrested during the operation remain in custody as investigations continue. Security agencies are working to dismantle the entire network, identify collaborators, and recover any remaining explosives.
The military reiterated the importance of public cooperation, emphasizing that terror groups rely on secrecy and fear to survive.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, as community support is vital to preventing attacks and ensuring lasting peace in the North-East.