Troops Exonerates Man Previously Reported as Terror Suspect

The Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has cleared a Nigerien national previously reported as a suspected terrorist, saying investigations found no link between the individual and any known terrorist group.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 23 the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the individual was intercepted by troops of 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation following the attack at Cross Kauwa.

The military identified the man as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, explaining that he was taken into custody for profiling and further investigation due to the security situation in the region.

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“Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation to any known terrorist group,” the statement said.

According to Operation Hadin Kai, further investigations revealed 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 command said the decision to detain and screen the individual was in line with established military procedures, particularly due to the use of border corridors by terrorist groups for movement and logistics.

“Troops acted in accordance with established operational procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation,” the statement added.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed that all persons intercepted during military operations under suspicious circumstances are subjected to due process and security screening to distinguish civilians from terrorist elements.

“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,” it stated.

The military also restated its commitment to combating terrorism while maintaining professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to 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.