According to the army, Zein-Nur was taken into custody because he was intercepted under circumstances considered suspicious in an area where terrorist groups are known to use border routes for movement and logistics. He said: “The individual has now been identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi. In view of the prevailing security environment and the exploitation of border corridors by terrorist elements for movement and logistics, troops acted in accordance with established operational procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation.”
The army said intelligence assessments and other investigative procedures found no evidence linking him to any known terrorist organisation. He said: “Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation to any known terrorist group. Investigations further confirmed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger, who engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou.”
The military said the findings had cleared Zein-Nur of any terrorist links. He said: “Operation Hadin Kai has consequently cleared the individual of any terrorist links. The Theatre Command reiterates that all persons intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and appropriate security screening to ensure that innocent civilians are distinguished from terrorist elements.”
The army also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting counter-insurgency operations professionally while respecting the rights of civilians.