The Nigerian Army has cleared a man who was arrested during a military operation in Borno State over suspected links to ISIS, saying a thorough investigation found no evidence connecting him to any terrorist organisation.
The clarification comes after media reports published on July 14 identified the man as a terror suspect following his arrest by troops of the 68 Battalion during a military operation launched after an attack on Cross Kauwa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, identified the man as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi.
According to the Army, Zein-Nur was detained because he was intercepted under suspicious circumstances in an area where terrorist groups are known to exploit border routes for movement and logistics.
Captain Goni explained that the troops acted in line with standard operational procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation.
However, after comprehensive intelligence assessments and security screening, investigators found no evidence linking Zein-Nur to ISIS or any other terrorist group.
The Army further revealed that the investigation established Zein-Nur as a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who earns a living as a camel herder beyond the River Komadougou.
Based on the findings, Operation Hadin Kai officially cleared him of all allegations of terrorist affiliation.
The Theatre Command also stressed that everyone apprehended under suspicious circumstances during military operations undergoes due process and thorough security screening to ensure innocent civilians are not wrongly identified as terrorist elements.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Nigerian Army said it will continue to conduct counter-insurgency operations while respecting the rights of law-abiding civilians and ensuring security procedures are strictly followed.
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