Military Hands Over 3 Ex-Boko Haram Suspects to Yobe, Borno

By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian military has handed over three suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists, Messrs Bukura Tijani (Yobe), Saidu Lawal (Yobe) and Muhamed Umoru (Borno) to Borno and Yobe state governments,.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, while handing over the suspects on Friday at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, said that the action is a demonstration of their respect for human rights and rule of law.

Olonisakin who was represented by the Director of Administration, DHQ, Rear Admiral Andrew Dacosta, said that the three suspects were released after thorough investigation and clearance.

He also stressed that it was not “the first time such a professional conduct has been exhibited as similar steps have been taken severally in the past, particularly by the Nigerian Army”.

He said: “This gesture is to further demonstrate the level of adherence and observance of rule of law and transparency by the military in the prosecution of war in the North-East.

“These three suspects have been investigated and cleared, hence the need to officially hand them over to their state officials in line with the instructions of the CDS.”

“The exercise is a continuous one and as many suspects that are cleared will be handed over,” he added.

Further details later