The
Nigerian military on Friday released 275 persons, including two Nigerians and two Cameroonians, who were arrested and detained in
connection with Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.
The Head (Theatre Commander) of the
counter-insurgency operation in the North-East, Operation Lafiya Dole,
Maj. Gen. Hassan Umaru, disclosed during the handover of the suspects to
the Borno State Government that they were picked from different
locations in the state for alleged involvement in terrorism and
insurgency.
He said the military decided to let them
go free after they were found not guilty, saying that the persons were
“properly profiled, screened and cleared,” to reunite with their
families.
Describing their detention as a
sacrifice that was paid to bring peace to the troubled region, Umaru
said “In line with the principle of justice, equity and fairness, we
released them to their families.”
The Army Commander, during a brief
ceremony at Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, said “I am confident that
the detainees will be ambassadors to the Nigerian military.”
He revealed that 142 of the 275 detainees are males, 49 females, 22 under-aged (male) and 50 female children.
He promised that the government would assist the released detainees to start a new life.
“The children among you will be returned to school,” he said.
General Officer Commander, 7 Division
Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Victor Ezugwu, in his remark, said the
military would continue to respect the fundamental rights of the people
in the area of its operation. He urged those still living in areas under
Boko Haram control to move closer to military locations where they
would be protected.
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