Probe into Alleged Maiduguri Killing as Military Cites Possible Militant Links

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The theatre command of operation Hadin Kai says it has launched an investigation into allegations that its troops were involved in the killing of a man in Maiduguri, in north-east Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, media information officer for Operation Hadin Kai, the army is examining claims circulating on social media that soldiers shot and killed Abdulrahman Mustapha near the Federal High Court in the city on 22 March.

The allegations describe the incident as an extrajudicial killing, claiming the man was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit. They also raise concerns about possible violations of his rights and call for an independent inquiry.

The military says it is treating the claims as serious and has begun what it describes as a comprehensive and impartial investigation to establish the facts and determine whether troops acted in line with operational procedures and rules of engagement.

However, it says preliminary findings suggest the situation may have involved security threats. The statement indicates that the man may have been part of a suspected militant reconnaissance group or sleeper cell linked to Boko Haram or ISWAP.

It adds that he allegedly attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon, which the army describes as a direct threat. Officials also say he was found with multiple identification cards bearing different names, including one from neighbouring Niger.

The military further claims that substances believed to be drugs were recovered from him, and that he was accompanied by two unidentified women who fled the scene.

It says eyewitness accounts suggested the man’s behaviour had raised suspicion prior to the incident, prompting a distress call to nearby troops.

The army stresses that these details arepreliminary and subject to verification, and that efforts are under way to locate the fleeing individuals.

The theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai says it will ensure due process is followed and has pledged to uphold professional standards and human rights while continuing security operations in the region.