By Bimbo Ogunnaike
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday released 983 suspects cleared of links with Boko Haram insurgents in the northern parts of the country.
The Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD),Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, made the disclosure in Maiduguri, capital at the formal handing over of the suspects to the Borno State Government.
Adeniyi disclosed that the suspects comprised of 978 males and five females, adding that the affected persons were detained at a military facility over suspected links with the insurgents
The commander, who explained that the suspects were cleared by the Joint Investigative Panel set up by the authorities, added that the detainees were cleared of any links with insurgents and certified fit for reintegration with their families and society.
”The Federal Government implemented the Operation Safe Corridor to encourage insurgents to surrender for rehabilitation and integration into the society.
“I call on the insurgents to surrender to enable them benefit from opportunities of the programme. Their aim for a caliphate will not be actualize, I call on the insurgents to surrender. Let Shekau and Albarnawi to die alone, they are defeated and you should not die with them,” Adeniyi said.
The State Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the gesture, adding that “the event is significant in paving the way to end insurgency. It also signalled the beginning of peace in the state”.
Zulum called on the people to accept the released detainees, stressing that they were proved to be free and innocent sequel to investigations conducted by the investigative committee.
He added that the state government would provide skill training and empowerment support to enable them to engage in productive activities.
Zulum further commended the military and other security agencies over their sacrifices and contributions in the counter insurgency campaign and peace building process in the state.
Also speaking, Ahmed Jidda, one of the released detainees, thanked God for regaining his freedom.
Jidda, who hailed from Adamawa, said he was detained for about three years at the military facility.
He noted that the military authority had adopted proactive measures to take care of their need and improvement of the well being of the inmates.
Jidda commended the committee which established their innocence, adding that he was happy to be reunited with his family.
