As the military offensive to dismantle Boko Haram terrorists
activities and the camps in North East Nigeria continues, President
Goodluck Jonathan has directed the release from Police, SSS and Military
detention centers, of hundreds of persons held in connection with the
insurgency.
The action of the President which took many Nigerians and security
agencies by surprise is however interpreted by presidency sources as the
‘Carrot and Stick’ policy by the Commander in Chief to bringing an end
to the Boko Haram debacle.
Vanguard gathered that the beneficiaries will cut across such states
as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, `Kaduna, Gombe and Niger, though
the exact number was not revealed.
The federal government however explained that the decision to order
the release is sequel to the request of the Presidential Committee in
Dialogue and Reconciliation set up to explore the possibility of amnesty
for converted terrorists.
A statement to that effect signed by the Director of Defence
Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said “Consequent upon the
directives 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”.
“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 directives 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”.
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