The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a resident, Abdulrahman Mustapha, by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, saying a full investigation is underway to determine what really happened.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 22, 2026, around the Polo area near the Federal High Court in Maiduguri.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Army said it had begun a “comprehensive and impartial investigation” into the matter, following public reactions and reports circulating online.
According to preliminary findings, the situation may be more complex than initially reported. The Army noted that troops might have encountered individuals suspected to be linked to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance group or sleeper cell.
It was also alleged that the deceased attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an action the military described as a serious threat to the safety of its personnel.
The Army added that the victim was found with multiple identification cards bearing different names, including one from the Niger Republic. Other items reportedly recovered include a bottle of Tutolin syrup and substances suspected to be cannabis.
Officials further stated that the deceased was in the company of two unidentified women at the time of the incident, but both fled the scene. Efforts are ongoing to locate them.
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Despite these claims, the Army stressed that all details remain preliminary and subject to verification. It assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and that any outcome would be handled in line with military rules and the law.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for an independent probe into the incident, describing the killing as troubling and raising concerns about human rights violations.
The organisation urged authorities to ensure accountability and justice, warning that such incidents could further erode public trust if not properly addressed.
