The headquarters Theatre Command of ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ has launched a probe into allegations that its troops were involved in the killing of a civilian, Abdulrahman Mustapha, on March 22, 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident, which reportedly occured at the Polo axis, near the Federal High Court, has sparked reactions on social media, with claims that the victim, also known as Abchin, was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit when he was shot by soldiers.
Reactions on social media described the incident as an extrajudicial killing and called for an independent investigation, accountability, and compensation.
Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, in a statement, described the allegations as “very serious” and confirmed that steps have been initiated to establish the facts surrounding the shooting incident.
According to the statement, preliminary operational findings suggest the situation may be more complex than initially portrayed.
It added that the incident, said to have occurred around 11:40 p.m., may have involved security concerns linked to ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the region.
The statement disclosed that early indications point to a possible encounter between troops and individuals suspected to be part of a reconnaissance unit or sleeper cell associated with Boko Haram or ISWAP.
It further alleged that the deceased may have attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an act considered a direct threat to military personnel.
Also, the statement claimed that multiple identification cards, bearing different names, including one from the Niger Republic, were recovered from the victim of the shooting, raising concerns about possible cross-border movements or the use of false identities.
Additionally, items reportedly found in his possession included a bottle of Tutolin syrup and substances suspected to be cannabis.
Military sources also revealed that the deceased was allegedly in the company of two unidentified women who fled the scene, prompting ongoing efforts to track them down, as they may provide useful information for the investigation.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the military suggested that the individual’s behaviour before the incident had raised suspicion, leading to a distress call to a nearby military location.
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The command emphasized that these findings are preliminary and remain subject to verification.
It assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances, including whether troops acted in line with established rules of engagement.
“The theatre command assures the public that due process will be followed and that any findings will be addressed in accordance with applicable laws and military regulations,” the statement read.
The military reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights, while continuing its mandate to maintain security in the North-East.
