BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched an investigation into allegations that its troops were involved in the fatal shooting of a Maiduguri resident, identified as Abdulrahman Mustapha, also known as Abchin.
According to statement posted by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, via the Nigerian Army’s official X account, said the incident, which reportedly occurred on March 22, 2026, near the Polo area close to the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, has sparked reactions on social media. Posts circulating online claim that Mustapha, said to be unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit, was shot dead by military personnel in what has been described as an extrajudicial killing.
It added that claims have also raised concerns about alleged human rights violations, lack of transparency, and the handling of the deceased, with calls for an independent investigation and accountability.
Responding to the allegations, the Theatre Command described the claims as serious and confirmed that appropriate processes have been initiated to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
According to a statement issued on March 25, 2026, preliminary operational reports suggest the situation may be more complex than initially portrayed. The military indicated that the घटना, said to have taken place around 11:40 p.m., could have underlying security implications.
Early findings, the statement noted, point to the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals suspected to be part of a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance group or sleeper cell operating in the area. This assessment is based on reports that the deceased allegedly attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon—an action considered a direct threat to personnel.
The military further stated 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 or the use of false identities.
In addition, authorities claimed that substances believed to be cannabis and a bottle of Tutolin syrup were recovered from the deceased. He was also said to have been accompanied by two unidentified women who fled the scene and are currently being sought, as they may provide critical information.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the military suggest that the individual’s behavior prior to the incident had raised suspicion, prompting a distress call to nearby troops.
The Theatre Command emphasized that these details remain preliminary and subject to verification, stressing that they do not represent final conclusions. A comprehensive and impartial investigation is ongoing to determine the sequence of events, assess compliance with rules of engagement, and establish the full context of the encounter.
Authorities also confirmed that efforts are underway to locate the fleeing individuals.
The military assured the public that due process would be followed and that any findings would be handled in line with applicable laws and regulations. Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights while continuing its mandate to maintain security in the North East.
