The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai has commenced an investigation into allegations that troops shot and killed one Abdulrahman Mustapha, also known as Abchin, in Maiduguri.
The incident, said to have occurred on March 22, 2026, at the Polo axis near the Federal High Court, has generated widespread reactions on social media, with claims that the victim was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit at the time.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described the allegations as serious and confirmed that an investigation was underway to establish the facts.
He said the claims include accusations of extrajudicial killing, violation of constitutional rights, lack of transparency, and improper handling of the deceased.
However, the Theatre Command noted that preliminary operational findings suggest the incident may have involved underlying security concerns.
According to the military, the encounter occurred around 11:40 p.m., with initial reports indicating that troops may have come across individuals suspected to be part of a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance team or a sleeper cell operating in the area.
It was further alleged that the deceased attempted to seize a soldier’s rifle, an action considered a direct threat to military personnel.
The statement added that the individual was found with multiple identification cards bearing different names, including a foreign ID from the Niger Republic, raising concerns about possible cross-border movement or the use of an assumed identity.
He was also reportedly in possession of a bottle of Tutolin syrup and substances suspected to be cannabis.
The military said the deceased was accompanied by two unidentified women who fled the scene, suggesting the possibility of accomplices still at large.
Eyewitness accounts were also said to have indicated that his behaviour prior to the incident appeared suspicious, prompting a distress call to nearby troops.
The Theatre Command emphasised that these findings are preliminary and subject to verification, noting that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing individuals who may provide further clarity.
It assured that the investigation would be thorough and impartial, in line with established Rules of Engagement and military procedures, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of human rights.