‘He rears camels’ — Army frees man detained over alleged links to ISIS

The Nigerian Army has cleared a man who was detained during a military operation in Borno State over suspected links to the Islamic State (ISIS), saying investigations found no evidence connecting him to any terrorist group.

The clarification followed media reports published on July 14 that identified the man as a terror suspect after he was intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation carried out after an attack on Cross Kauwa.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, 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 suspicious circumstances 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 said.»

The Army explained that comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative procedures later confirmed that Zein-Nur had no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation.

Investigators also established that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, and earns a living as a camel rearer beyond the River Komadougou.

«”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.»

Operation Hadin Kai said the findings had completely cleared Zein-Nur of any terrorist links.

The military also reiterated that individuals intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and security screening to distinguish innocent civilians from terrorist elements.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to conducting counter-insurgency operations professionally while respecting the rights of law-abiding civilians.

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