By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Nigerian military has started an investigation into the shooting death of a 40-year-old man by soldiers in Maiduguri, following claims from local residents that the killing was an execution, not a security operation.

The victim, Abdulrahman Mustapha, was shot and killed late Saturday night near the Federal High Court. The incident has caused an outcry in the city, which is already on edge after several suicide bombings took place just last week.

The Military’s Account
According to a statement from Operation Hadin Kai, the military unit in the region, soldiers believe Mustapha may have been a “sleeper cell” member for Boko Haram or ISWAP.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said Mustapha was acting suspiciously and tried to grab a soldier’s rifle. The military also claimed he had several different ID cards, including one from the Niger Republic, along with drugs and cannabis. Two women who were with him reportedly ran away from the scene.

The Family’s Allegations
Family members and human rights activists strongly disagree with the military’s version of events. They say Mustapha was an innocent man returning from a holiday visit.

Hamza N. Dantani, a lawyer for the family, alleged that Mustapha was caught alive, tied up with a military belt, and tortured before being shot. He claimed there are photos showing Mustapha restrained and bruised before his death.


“This was an extrajudicial killing,” Dantani said, calling the military’s claims a “planned plot” to cover up the crime.


What Happens Next?
The Borno State Police confirmed that a soldier was involved in the shooting but have not released further details.


The military says its investigation will be fair and will check if the soldiers followed the proper rules. Meanwhile, local leaders are calling for the soldiers involved to be arrested and for the military to formally apologize to the family.