The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has announced that an individual previously detained during military operations in Borno State has been cleared of any involvement in terrorist activities following comprehensive investigations.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the individual, identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, was intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation conducted after the terrorist attack at Cross Kauwa.
The military explained that the detention was in line with standard operational procedures, noting that the security environment in the Lake Chad region and the frequent use of border corridors by terrorist elements for movement and logistics necessitate thorough screening of individuals encountered during operations.
Captain Goni stated that detailed intelligence assessments and other investigative processes were subsequently carried out, establishing that Zein-Nur has no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation
Investigations further revealed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, and earns his livelihood as a camel rearer, grazing his livestock beyond the River Komadougou.
Based on the findings, Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that Zein-Nur has been cleared of all allegations linking him to terrorism.
The Theatre Command emphasized that all individuals intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and comprehensive security screening to distinguish innocent civilians from members of terrorist groups.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the command stated that its troops will continue to sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in the conduct of military operations across the North-East.
