DHQ: Court ordered release of 313 suspected terrorists for lack of evidence

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says a federal high court in Borno state has ordered the release of 313 suspected terrorists arrested by the military.

Briefing journalists on military operations across the country on Thursday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the court ordered the release of the suspects for lack of evidence against them after the conclusion of the investigation.

Buba gave assurance that the military would comply with the court order and release the suspected terrorists to the state government.

“During the week, as a follow up to a court order of the federal high court in Maiduguri, a total of 313 suspects in detention for terrorism-related offences were to be released to the Borno state government,” he said.

“The court ordered the release for want of evidence after the conclusion of the investigation and other ancillary matters.

“The cases were prosecuted by the department of prosecution, federal ministry of justice. Accordingly, they would be handed over to the Borno state government for further action.”

The defence spokesperson also gave an update on the operations of the troops across the country.

In the north-east, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed at least 50 terrorists in Borno and Adamawa states, respectively.

He added that suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents were neutralised in Gwoza, Gamboru Ngala, Bama LGAs, Borno as well as Madagali LGA in Adamawa state.

“Several weapons and the sum of N340,500 were also recovered from the slain terrorists,” he said.

“Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 137 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 3 M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, two hand grenades, one locally made explosive, 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, six AK47 rifles magazines, two M56 rifle magazines, two magazine carriers, one motorcycle, six mobile phones, one HH radio, three bicycles and the sum of N340,500.00 amongst others.

“The air component of Operation HADIN KAI in multiple passes conducted air interdiction on terrorists hibernating in North West Arina Woje and Tumbum Shitu on 22 and 24 March 2024. The locations were observed to be active with terrorist activities and logistics. Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.”