The Army in Maiduguri has released 128 suspects, including four foreigners arrested in connection with Boko Haram activities in Borno State.
They were handed over to Governor Kashim Shettima by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at the Maumalari Cantonments in Maiduguri.
Buratai said “The 128 persons comprising 109 men, seven women, 11 under aged and one child were found innocent after thorough investigations jointly carried out by intelligence officers of the Army, police, Department of State Security and representatives of the Borno State Government.”
He disclosed that three Chadians and one Cameroonian were amongst the 128 freed detainees, adding that all detainees were arrested at different points during military activities in the state.”
He added: “The Nigerian Army in fulfillment of its responsibility through its operation alongside other security agents and human rights commission had found the suspected Boko Haram members innocent and deemed it necessary to hand them over to the Borno State Government.
“The task before the army is to among other s, defeat the insurgents, restore peace from local government to the state level and create an enabling environment for administrative stability.
“The army will do everything possible to maintain professionalism and respect the rights of individual, hoping that the continued support and cooperation from the people of the state which is highly appreciated will be sustained.”