Military Identifies Alleged Suicide Bombing Ringleader as Troops Recover Large Ammunition Cache in North-East

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria’s military says it has identified the alleged coordinator of a suicide bombing network operating across the North-East, as troops also recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in Maiduguri in separate operations.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the military named the suspect as Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf”. His identification followed an intelligence-led cordon-and-search operation in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31 December, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

According to the military, a detained suspect, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Mr Umar as the ringleader responsible for recruiting suicide bombers, coordinating logistics, and distributing improvised explosive device (IED) components. The statement also alleged that he coordinated the 24 December suicide attack at the Gamboru Market mosque in Maiduguri and directed a foiled bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED parts to the would-be attacker.

Investigators further reported links involving Mr Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and statements from his stepdaughter confirming that a suspected bomber had been seen inside their residence. All arrested individuals remain in custody while investigations continue, with the military saying the findings shed light on how terrorist cells embed themselves within communities.

In a separate operation, troops uncovered a significant cache of ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri on 2 January. OPHK said the discovery followed sustained troop presence and follow-up actions after recent counter-terrorism operations in the city.

A distress call at around 15:00 alerted soldiers to suspicious metallic objects hidden inside a drainage channel. Troops and Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams responded and recovered 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including live rounds, along with power banks concealed at the site. Efforts are under way to drain the channel to determine whether additional items are present.

No casualties were reported, and security forces say the area remains calm. Troops have increased patrols to prevent any attempt by militants or criminal groups to retrieve the hidden ammunition.

The military said the breakthroughs highlight the importance of intelligence-driven operations and public cooperation. It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements or objects, stressing that community support remains essential to preventing attacks and restoring stability in the region.