The Nigerian military has cleared a Nigerien national, Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, earlier reported as a terror suspect, saying investigations found no link between him and any terrorist group.
According to the military, the man, also known as Houdairi, was intercepted by troops of the 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation following an attack at Cross Kauwa and was taken into custody for profiling and further investigation in line with established operational procedures.
Operation Hadin Kai disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its Acting Military Information Officer, Mohammed Goni.
The statement explained that comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes established that Zein-Nur had no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation.
It added that investigations identified him as a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou.
The theatre command said he had consequently been cleared of any terrorist links.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated that individuals intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and appropriate security screening to ensure innocent civilians are distinguished from terrorist elements.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law while sustaining operations against insurgents in the North-East.