Army clears Niger Republic resident of terror allegations

The Nigerian Army has officially cleared a resident of the Niger Republic, identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, of any terror allegations. This clarification follows initial reports that he was a suspected terrorist after being intercepted by troops during an operation near Cross Kauwa.

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Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation to any known terrorist group.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, stated that comprehensive intelligence assessments and investigative processes found no affiliation between Zein-Nur and any known terrorist group. Zein-Nur is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Niger Republic, where he works as a camel herder.

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The individual has consequently been cleared of any terrorist links.

Troops had taken Zein-Nur into custody for profiling due to the prevailing security situation and the known use of border corridors by terrorist groups for movement and logistics. The military's investigation confirmed his residency and occupation, leading to his clearance of any terrorist links.

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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.

The military stated that this development underscores its commitment to ensuring civilians are not wrongly associated with terrorist activities during security operations. The Theatre Command reiterated that all individuals intercepted under suspicious circumstances undergo due process and security screening to differentiate innocent civilians from terrorist elements. Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in its counter-terrorism efforts while upholding professionalism, human rights, and the rule of law.

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Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.