The Nigerian Army says a man who was detained during a
military operation in Borno state over suspected ISIS links has been cleared
after investigations found no evidence connecting him to any terrorist group.
The clarification follows media reports published on July 14
identifying the individual as a terror suspect after he was intercepted by
troops of the 68 battalion during an exploitation operation conducted in the
aftermath of an attack on Cross Kauwa.
A statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Goni, captain and
acting military information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, identified the man
as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi.
According to the army, Zein-Nur was taken into custody
because he was intercepted under circumstances considered suspicious in an area
where terrorist groups are known to exploit border routes for movement and
logistics.
“The individual has now been identified as Aboubakar
Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi. In view of the prevailing security
environment and the exploitation of border corridors by terrorist elements for
movement and logistics, troops acted in accordance with established operational
procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation,”
the statement reads.
The army said comprehensive intelligence assessments and
other investigative procedures established that the man had no affiliation with
any known terrorist organisation.
“Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other
investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any
affiliation to any known terrorist group. 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,” the statement added.
The military said the findings had cleared Zein-Nur of any
terrorist links.
“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 said.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to balancing robust
counter-insurgency operations with professionalism and respect for the rights
of civilians.
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