The Theatre Commander of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar has commenced to investigate the alleged extra-judicial killing of Abdulrahman Mustapha along the Polo Road, Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

According to the Nigerian Army, Mustapha also known as, Abchin, was alledgedly killed by some of the troops near the Federal High Court, located on Polo road, Maiduguri.

OPHK Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, yesterday in a statement in Maiduguri disclosed: “The attention of the Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, has been drawn to posts circulating on social media alleging that on 22nd March 2026, troops shot and killed Abdulrahman Mustapha, also referred to as Abchin) in the Polo axis, near the Maiduguri Federal High Court.

Accordingly, the individual who was reportedly unarmed was returning from a Sallah visit, while the posts attributed the incident, as an extrajudicial killing, with an alledged violations of constitutional rights, lack of transparency, and improper handling of the deceased murder.

The followers of the posts, therefore called for an independent investigation, accountability, and compensation to the families of the deceased.

Beyond Army’s rules of engagement and professionalism, Uba added: “The Theatre Command regards these allegations as very serious and has accordingly initiated appropriate processes to establish the facts about the incident.

“However, preliminary operational indicators suggest that the incident, which reportedly occurred at 11:40 p.m, may not be straightforward and could have an underlying security implications.”

Uba assured that a comprehensive and an impartial investigation is currently ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including compliance with the applicable rules of engagement and operational procedures.

Regarding the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Lieutenant Colonel revealed: “Our initial findings have indicated the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals consistent with a Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reconnaissance elements or a sleeper cell operating within the Polo community of Maiduguri .

He noted that the troops’ assessment is based on several factors, including reports that the individual in question allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, describing it as, an action indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to soldiers’ safety.

Additionally, the individual he said, was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names from that cited in the petition, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, which may suggest cross-border movement, possible infiltration, or the use of a decoy identity.

Furthermore, he was akso found in possession of a bottle of Tutolin syrup and several wraps of weed suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

According to Information Officer, Furthermore, the individual was reportedly in the company of two unidentified women who fled the scene, raising concerns about possible accomplices who are currently at large.

Eyewitness accounts in the community also suggest that; the individual’s conduct prior to the incident was suspicious, prompting a distress call to the nearest military post in the Maiduguri metropolis.

“These preliminary details remain subject to verification and should not be construed as definitive conclusions,” noted Uba.

He further reiterated: “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,” adding that all relevant components of OPHK have also been directed to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the fleeing individuals, as they may provide critical information relevant to the ongoing security operations in the Northeast.

Abubakar, therefore 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 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.