By Gabriel Ameh
The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has cleared a Nigerien national earlier detained on suspicion of terrorist links after investigations found no evidence connecting him to any terrorist group.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the individual, Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, was intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation following a terrorist attack in Cross Kauwa.
The military explained that the suspect was taken into custody as part of standard security procedures due to the prevailing security situation and the frequent use of border routes by terrorist groups for movement and logistics.
However, after conducting comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes, authorities established that Zein-Nur has no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation.
Further investigations revealed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, and makes a living as a camel rearer, grazing his animals across the River Komadougou.
Based on the outcome of the investigation, Operation HADIN KAI announced that the Nigerien national had been cleared of all terrorism-related allegations and was subsequently released.
The Theatre Command reiterated that individuals intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and thorough security screening to distinguish innocent civilians from terrorist elements.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law while sustaining operations against terrorism and other security threats in the North-East.
