The Nigerian military has cleared Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, of any links to terrorism following an investigation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Zein-Nur was arrested by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation after a July 12 terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Goni said the troops acted in line with established operational procedures by taking Zein-Nur into custody for profiling and further investigation, given the prevailing security situation and the use of border corridors by terrorist groups for movement and logistics.
He said comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes found no evidence linking Zein-Nur to any known terrorist organisation.
According to him, investigations established that Zein-Nur is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who engages in camel rearing across the River Komadougou.
‘Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation with any known terrorist group,’ Goni said.
‘Investigations further confirmed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou. Operation Hadin Kai has consequently cleared the individual of any terrorist links.
‘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.’
Goni added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to denying terrorists freedom of action while upholding professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law.