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| Borno State Gov and Military top brass at the occassion |
The
Nigerian military on Friday released 275 persons, including two Nigeriens 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.
According
to him, others include two Nigeriens and two Cameroonians.
He,
however, added that eight cases that were criminal in nature would be handed
over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Borno
State Governor, Kashim Shettima, while receiving the detainees on behalf of
their families, commended the military for being “fair”.
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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