The Nigerian Army has cleared about 275 suspected members of terror group, Boko Haram and handed them over to the Borno state governor for rehabilitation.
Some of the released persons by the Nigerian Army
The Nigeria military on Friday in Maiduguri released a total of 275 Boko Haram suspects after thorough investigation cleared them of Boko Haram links.
The theatre commander of "Operation Dole Lafia" Maj. Gen. Hassan Umoru said this while handing over the freed suspects to the Borno State government at Maimalari Barracks in the state capital.
He said 275 freed suspects have been investigated by security agencies in connection with the activities of Boko Haram but found innocent.
"Today, we are witnessing the handing over of 275 cleared suspects of Boko Haram including 142 men, 49 women, 50 children and 22 underage persons, 2 Cameroonians and 2 Nigerien nationals respectively, we, therefore, congratulate the free persons and wish them a happy reunion with their families."
Gen. Umoru also added that eight others with criminal cases have been released to the police for further investigations.
Governor Kashim Shettima thanked the military for their prompt investigation
In his remarks, Borno State Gov. Kashim Shettima thanked the military and other security for their prompt and detailed investigation that made it possible to free innocent persons wrongly detained by the military.
He said "this is indeed a milestone and a sense of professionalism of Nigeria army forces, 275 people were picked in several locations at different times and different places now are releasing to their families. To me, the Nigeria military deserves special commendation for the sacrifices they have been taken for us to have peace." Shettima said.
In his closing message GOC of 7 Division Brig Gen. Victor Ezugwu call on the civilians trapped in remote locations to come to the nearest military base and promised that very soon Boko Haram will be things of the past.