Jonathan Directs Release of 167 Imprisoned Boko Haram Suspects

A total of 167 persons being held in detention for suspected terrorist activities in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe are to be released in compliance with an order form President Goodluck Jonathan.

Confirming the imminent release, Major General Chris Olukolade the director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters revealed that the 167 suspects comprise 157 from detention facilities in Borno State, nine from Yobe and one from Adamawa.

'Over 165 persons apprehended in the course of military operations on terror in three states in the North-East are to be released from custody in compliance with Presidential directive', he wrote in the statement.

'The suspects are those earlier recommended for release by the Joint Investigation Team, (JIT) set up by the Defence Headquarters last year. Of the number, 157 are from facilities in Borno, nine from Yobe and one suspect from Adamawa'.

Olukolade recalled that other detainees, particularly women and children, had benefited from similar gestures that begun in May 2013, and added that more suspects in this category are also to benefit in the present exercise.

'The suspects will be released to their respective state governments', he said.

The Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Justice will determine the modalities for the trial of 500 suspects who have cases to answer. But about 1,000 other suspects are still in detention while investigation of their activities, especially the extent of their involvement in insurgency, will continue.