President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed the Defence Headquarters and the Military Task Force to release some members of the Boko Haram sect in custody in connection with terrorist activities.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement said, “Consequent upon the directive of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters will be releasing from detention a number of persons being held in connection with terrorist activities.
“The move is in furtherance of the Federal Government position in response to requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation.”
Although the Director was however silent on the number and the category of terror suspects expected to benefit from the presidential peace overtures but all women in various military formations, especially by the Joint Task Force in the North-East, would be set free.
He explained that the decision to release the terror suspects was part of the President’s response to a request by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation.
He said, “The measure, which is in line with Presidential magnanimity to enhance peace efforts in the country, will result in freedom for suspects including all women under custody.”
“The details of the directive and those to benefit from this gesture have been communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force.
“The beneficiaries will be released to the state governors who will be involved in further rehabilitation before these suspects are released to their respective community leaders/relations.”
When asked whether the Police had received a similar directive, the Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said, “I am not aware of any such directive.”
When asked Mr Reuben Abati said, “Clearly, it shows that while government is pursuing the option of the declaration of state of emergency to flush out the insurgents, at the same time, it is providing incentives for those who want to embrace peace.
“That is to say that government is not adopting a one-track approach. The President himself said that it is a multi-track approach, a multi-dimensional approach.
“While the military actions continue, opportunity for dialogue through the committee is still open. I don’t know the number. That statement from the Defence Headquarters did not indicate a particular number of people. But when they are being released, the number will be made public. They are more of women who many are saying know nothing about the offence for which they are being held.”
The set-free-the-terrorists order came even as the President has reportedly sought the assistance of the neighbouring Niger Republic in combating the Boko Haram menace.