983 Suspects Cleared Of Alleged Links With Boko Haram

Yusuf Bello| The Nigerian Army has released 983 suspects cleared of alleged links with Boko Haram terrorists.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, handed over the detainees to the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara-Zulum in a ceremony in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

According to Adeniyi, the release is sequel to months of investigation in which over 900 out of those detained at the military detention centre were found to be innocent.

He further noted that the handing over of the former suspects was not only significant to the people and government of Borno state but is also a milestone in the armed forces’ resolve to uphold its constitutional duty.

He said, “The world is over-armed and peace is underfunded; therefore the first step towards peace in any theatre is to replace the widespread culture of war with the culture of peace.”

“Several arrests have been made during various offensive and defensive operations conducted over the years.

“During the period, we have captured confirmed and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers among which were the 983 freed suspects being handed over to the Borno state government today.”

“Today I present to His Excellency Governor of Borno state, a total of 983 investigated and cleared Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers in our detention facilities for their rehabilitation and integration with their family.

“The males among them are 978 while the females are five in number – which makes a total of 983.”

In his response, Governor Zulum applauded the military for the release and assured that all is set to receive rehabilitation of the former detainees before reuniting them with their families.