Nigerian Army Frees Boko Haram Suspects

983 suspected Boko Haram members held by the Borno state government in Nigeria have been released, the Nigerian military have said.

The suspects had been held for several months during which they were interrogated over their alleged links to the Islamic terror group.

Olusegun Adeniyi, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, a counterinsurgency force in the northeast of the country, said the groups were originally detained following allegations they were aiding and abetting Boko Haram.

“The world is over-armed, and peace is underfunded; therefore, the first step towards peace in any theatre is to replace the widespread culture of war with the culture of peace”, he said.

“Several arrests have been made during various offensive and defensive operations conducted over the years.

“During this period, we have captured confirmed and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers among which were the 983 freed suspects being handed over to the Borno state government today”.

Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum, who received the released persons, thanked the military for freeing them.

“We remain eternally grateful for all you have been doing for us and we pray for Allah to crown your efforts with a lasting peace in Borno and the northeast region”.

He further added that he hoped the release of the suspects would offer hope of ending the Boko Haram insurgency.