By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched a comprehensive investigation into the death of a man allegedly shot by troops on March 22, 2026, stating that preliminary findings suggest the incident may be linked to insurgent activity rather than an extrajudicial killing.
The incident, which occurred around 11:40 p.m. near the Polo Axis close to the Federal High Court, involved the death of Abdulrahman Mustapha, also referred to as Abchin. Social media reports had alleged that the victim, who was reportedly unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit, was killed unlawfully, prompting calls for an independent probe and accountability.
In a statement released on Thursday, the military acknowledged the gravity of the allegations but noted that early operational indicators suggest a more complex scenario. According to the Theatre Command, troops may have encountered individuals linked to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance element or a sleeper cell operating in the area.
The command cited several factors to support this preliminary assessment, including reports that the deceased allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle—an action classified as a direct threat to troop safety. Authorities also claimed that upon searching the individual, they found multiple identification cards bearing different names, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, alongside a bottle of Tutolin Syrup and several wraps of a substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
Military officials further stated that the victim was reportedly accompanied by two unidentified women who fled the scene and remain at large. Eyewitness accounts, according to the command, indicated that the individual’s behavior before the shooting was suspicious enough to prompt a distress call to the nearest military location.
“These preliminary details remain subject to verification and should not be construed as definitive conclusions,” the statement read, emphasizing that a comprehensive and impartial investigation is ongoing to determine compliance with the military’s Rules of Engagement and operational procedures.
The Theatre Command assured the public that due process would be followed and that all relevant components of Operation HADIN KAI have been directed to intensify efforts to locate the fleeing women, who may possess critical information.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights while continuing its mandate to safeguard lives and maintain security in the region.
