249 Boko Haram suspects released, given N3,000 each
After finding no evidence to link them to Islamist terror group, Boko Haram, the Nigerian Army has released 249 suspects on the orders of the Chief of Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai.
The released people included 169 men, 46 women and 34 children, a statement by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said.
It added that two of them were citizens of neighbouring Cameroon.
“The released persons were handed over to Borno State government through the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Usman Zanna by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.
“The two foreigners were however handed over to the Borno State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service
The commissioner, who lauded efforts of the military in the fight against terrorism, advised the freed suspects to remain law abiding, and go about their lawful businesses.
He also handed them N3,000 each.
The military is often accused of unlawfully detaining people during operations aimed at flushing out Boko Haram from its strongholds in the north-east..
