As part of the 56th Independence Anniversary celebration, the Nigeria Army has handed over 348 Boko Haram suspects who have been cleared of any wrongdoing to the Borno state government.
The handing over event which took place on Saturday at the Ramat square civic centre was as a result of the directive given by the Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu, stressed that having investigated the suspects who were arrested at different locations in the state, those found innocent were set free.
Premium Times reported Mr. Ezugwu, to have said “the review of the cases of terrorists suspects in our custody involves a painstaking and continuous process as directed by the Chief of Army Staff who emplaced measures to guarantee societal and individual human rights.”
He added that the division under his command had investigated all suspects arrested and found 348 of them to be in the clear. The number comprises 114 males, 107 females, and 127 children. Among the children, 115 are minors.
Some of the cleared suspects said it took the army over five months to screen them and establish that they did nothing wrong.
The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, who received the cleared Boko Haram suspects commended the army for ensuring that the suspects’ human rights were protected during their days in custody.
Gov. Shettima noted that the state government will take custody of the minors who were not with their parents.
He therefore urged those freed to return to their homes and continue to be law abiding.
The released suspects were given cash and 10 yards of wrappers.