Nigerian Army begins probe over alleged killing of resident by soldiers in Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army says it has launched an investigation into allegations that troops killed a man in Maiduguri, Borno state.

The military said the development followed social media posts claiming that troops shot and killed Abdulrahman Mustapha on March 22 near the Polo axis close to the Federal High Court in Maiduguri.

The posts alleged that the deceased, who was reportedly unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit, was a victim of extrajudicial killing.

The claims also alleged violations of constitutional rights and called for an independent investigation, accountability and compensation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lt-Col Sani Uba, media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said the allegations were taken seriously.

Uba said the command had initiated processes to establish the facts surrounding the incident, adding that preliminary operational indicators suggested that the situation might have security implications.

He said the incident reportedly occurred at about 11:40pm, stressing that the investigation would determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

He added that the probe would examine compliance with the rules of engagement and operational procedures.

The Army said initial findings suggested that troops might have encountered individuals linked to a Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reconnaissance element.

The command said the assessment was based on reports that the deceased allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle.

It said the action was considered an indication of hostile intent and a threat to troops’ safety, adding that the individual was reportedly found with several identification cards bearing different names. It added that one of the cards was a foreign identification document from Niger Republic.

The Army said the discovery could indicate cross-border movement, infiltration or the use of a decoy identity.

The statement added that the individual was allegedly found with a bottle of Tutolin syrup and several wraps of weed suspected to be cannabis sativa.

The Army said the individual was reportedly in the company of two unidentified women who fled the scene. It said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing individuals.

Uba said eyewitnesses reported that the individual’s behaviour before the incident was suspicious. He added that the conduct prompted a distress call to the nearest military location.

Operation Hadin Kai said it remains committed to professionalism, accountability and the protection of human rights while maintaining security in the theatre of operations.