The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI says preliminary findings indicate that a man shot by troops in Maiduguri allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle before the incident.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, while responding to allegations circulating on social media that the victim, Abdulrahman Mustapha, was killed in an extrajudicial manner.
According to the statement, the incident reportedly occurred on March 22 at about 11:40 p.m. along the Polo axis near the Federal High Court Maiduguri.
The Theatre Command said initial operational indicators suggested that troops encountered individuals suspected to be linked to Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province, possibly operating as reconnaissance elements or sleeper cells within the area.
It stated that the deceased allegedly attempted to seize a soldier’s rifle, describing the action as indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to troop safety.
The command further noted that the individual was reportedly found with multiple identification cards bearing different names, including one from the Niger Republic, raising concerns about possible cross-border movement.
It added that the individual was also allegedly found with a bottle of Tutolin syrup and substances suspected to be cannabis.
According to the statement, the deceased was reportedly accompanied by two unidentified women who fled the scene, prompting intensified efforts by security operatives to identify and apprehend the fleeing persons.
The command emphasised that investigations into the incident were ongoing to determine the full sequence of events and assess compliance with operational procedures and Rules of Engagement.
It assured the public that due process would be followed and that findings of the investigation would be handled in accordance with applicable laws and military regulations.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of human rights while sustaining efforts to maintain security in the North-East.
