Borno clears 500 suspects arrested for terrorism

The Borno government has cleared 500 suspects of alleged involvement in terrorism in the state.

The suspects were kept at the army detention facility at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.

NAN reports that Zuwaira Gambo, the commissioner for women affairs, announced the development on Wednesday, while responding to the leader of some aggrieved women in Borno.

Hajja Gana, leader of the women, alleged that some of their innocent children were detained by the army.

Gambo said the suspects were released in batches and were handed over to the Borno government.

“The latest batch released last week were 28 in number,” she said.

Gambo assured those whose relations were arrested by the military in connection with the insurgency to entertain no fears as long as they were innocent.

The commissioner said the state government is working closely with the military to ensure justice and fairness for all suspects.

The commissioner lauded the foundation for being at the forefront of seeking justice for the vulnerable, and for promoting peace and reconciliation in the state.

She said the government would look into the charter of demand from the survivors and victims of the insurgency, adding that many of the demands are being addressed under the Borno Model, following the mass surrender of insurgents and their families.

The commissioner said the Borno Model was a community based approach involving all stakeholders.

Also speaking on persons in detention, Hamsatu Allamin, executive director of Allamin foundation for peace and development, commended the Nigerian Army for providing periodic access for the foundation to visit the suspects in detention.

She also urged the military to ensure that no innocent member of the society suffers for the crime he or she did not commit.