By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has officially cleared a Nigerien camel herder, Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, popularly known as Houdairi, of any involvement in terrorism following comprehensive investigations that found no evidence linking him to any terrorist group.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The statement followed media reports published on 14 July 2026 concerning an individual intercepted by troops of 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation conducted after the terrorist attack at Cross Kauwa in Borno State.
According to the statement, Zein-Nur was taken into custody in line with established operational procedures due to the prevailing security situation in the Lake Chad region and the known exploitation of border corridors by terrorist groups for movement, logistics and other criminal activities.
Captain Goni explained that extensive intelligence assessments and investigative processes subsequently established that Zein-Nur has no affiliation with any known terrorist organisation.
Investigations further confirmed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, where he engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou.
Following the outcome of the investigations, Operation HADIN KAI formally cleared him of all terrorism-related suspicions.
The Theatre Command reiterated that all persons intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and thorough security screening to ensure that innocent civilians are distinguished from terrorist elements.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
