The military have reversed the profiling of an arrested suspected bandit, and absolved him from any terrorist link.

Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, on Thursday, clarified reports published in some sections of the media on 14 July 2026 regarding an individual intercepted by troops of 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation, following the attack at Cross Kauwa.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Borno State, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a statement on Thursday, indicated that the individual has now been identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, known as Houdairi. The Ag. Information Officer maintained that in view of the prevailing security environment and the exploitation of border corridors by terrorist elements for movement and logistics, troops acted in accordance with established operational procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation.

He said that comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation to any known terrorist group. According to Goni, "investigations further confirmed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Republic of Niger who engages in camel rearing beyond the River Komadougou."

He said Operation HADIN KAI has consequently cleared the individual of any terrorist links. The Theatre Command reiterated that all persons intercepted under suspicious circumstances during military operations are subjected to due process and appropriate security screening to ensure that innocent civilians are distinguished from terrorist elements.

He declared that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.