OPHK Clears Man Earlier Reported as Terror Suspect, Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process

The Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has clarified the status of an individual who was previously reported as a terror suspect, stating that investigations have cleared him of any links to terrorist groups.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military explained that the individual was intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation following the terrorist attack at Cross Kauwa.

The statement identified the man as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, noting that he was initially taken into custody in line with standard operational procedures due to the prevailing security situation and the frequent use of border corridors by terrorist elements for movement and logistics.

According to the military, comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes established that Zein-Nur has no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation.

The investigation 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 animals beyond the River Komadougou.

Following the findings, Operation HADIN KAI announced that the individual had been cleared of all terrorist links.

The Theatre Command stressed that everyone intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations undergoes due process and thorough security screening to distinguish innocent civilians from terrorist elements.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the command stated that it would continue to deny terrorists freedom of action while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law in all its operations.