OPERATION HADIN KAI CLEARS PREVIOUSLY DETAINED NIGERIEN NATIONAL, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DUE PROCESS

Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has clarified the status of an individual who was previously reported as a suspected terrorist, stating that comprehensive investigations have found no evidence linking him to any terrorist organisation.

The clarification follows media reports published on 14 July 2026 concerning an individual intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during exploitation operations conducted after the terrorist attack at Cross Kauwa in the North East Theatre.

According to the military, the individual has been identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein Nur, also known as Houdairi. Troops initially detained him in line with established operational procedures, considering the persistent use of border corridors by terrorist groups for movement, logistics, and infiltration.

Operation HADIN KAI explained that the prevailing security environment in the Lake Chad region requires security forces to subject individuals found under suspicious circumstances to thorough profiling and intelligence screening before their identities and activities can be verified.

Following comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative procedures, military authorities concluded that the individual has no affiliation with any recognised terrorist group. Investigators established that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who engages in camel rearing along areas bordering the River Komadougou.

The Theatre Command has consequently cleared him of any terrorist links.