Military Launches Investigation into Alleged Killing of Civilian in Maiduguri

The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged shooting of a civilian by military personnel in Maiduguri

This came after social media reports characterised the incident as an extrajudicial killing.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 22, 2026, at about 11:40 p.m. along the Polo Axis near the Federal High Court, Maiduguri.

Social media posts identified the deceased as Abdulrahman Mustapha, also referred to as Abchin, who was said to be unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit. The posts alleged violations of constitutional rights, lack of transparency, improper handling of the deceased, and have called for an independent investigation, accountability, and compensation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, said the Theatre Command regards the allegations as very serious and has initiated appropriate processes to establish the facts.

However, the statement noted that preliminary operational indicators suggest the incident may not be straightforward and could have underlying security implications. According to the military, initial findings point to the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals consistent with a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance element or a sleeper cell operating within the area.

The military cited several factors informing this assessment, including reports that the individual allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an action described as indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to troops’ safety. The statement also said the individual was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, which may suggest cross-border movement or the use of a decoy identity.

Additionally, the individual was reportedly found with a bottle of Tutolin Syrup and several wraps of weed suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. The statement also said the individual was in the company of two unidentified women who fled the scene, raising concerns about possible accomplices currently at large. Eyewitness accounts, according to the military, also suggested the individual’s conduct prior to the incident was suspicious, prompting a distress call to the nearest military location.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that these preliminary details remain subject to verification and should not be construed as definitive conclusions. He said the ongoing investigation will seek to clarify all aspects of the incident, including the sequence of events, the actions of all parties involved, and any relevant operational context.

All relevant components of Operation HADIN KAI have been directed to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the fleeing individuals, as they may provide critical information relevant to ongoing security operations.

The Theatre Command assured the public that due process will be followed and that any findings will be addressed in accordance with applicable laws and military regulations.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights, while continuing to fulfil its mandate of safeguarding lives and maintaining security within the theatre of operations,” the statement read.