The Nigerian Army has cleared a resident of Niger Republic who was previously reported as a suspected terrorist, saying investigations found no evidence linking him to any known terrorist organisation.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Thursday.
Goni said the clarification followed reports by some media outlets concerning an individual intercepted by troops of 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation after the attack on Cross Kauwa.
He identified the individual as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi.
According to Goni, troops detained Zein-Nur for profiling and further investigation due to the prevailing security situation in the region and the use of border routes by terrorist groups for movement and logistics.
“Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation with any known terrorist group,” the statement read.
The military said further investigations confirmed that Zein-Nur is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Niger Republic, where he engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou.
“The individual has consequently been cleared of any terrorist links,” Goni stated.
Operation Hadin Kai said the development highlights its commitment to ensuring that civilians are not wrongly associated with terrorist activities during military operations.
“The Theatre Command reiterates that all persons intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and appropriate security screening to ensure that innocent civilians are distinguished from terrorist elements,” the statement added.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining counter-terrorism operations while upholding professionalism, human rights and the rule of law.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
