Some soldiers at the war front in the north-east have expressed disappointment over the release of 1,400 ”repentant” Boko Haram suspects.
Babakura Jato, commissioner of information in Borno state, on Monday, told The PUNCH that 1,400 had been released in three tranches since Operation Safe Corridor programme was launched. Operation Safe Corridor is an initiative for the deradicalisatio
Jato said the majority of them are cleared suspects.
“These were people who were suspected of being members of Boko Haram and it was discovered that they were not,” he said.
“The rest are children of Boko Haram or actual Boko Haram members. I cannot give you a breakdown of the figure now for security reasons.”
He also said he was aware of the allegation that some of those released had gone back to terrorism, but he added that some of these claims were mere speculation.
Reacting to the development, soldiers, who confirmed the release of the suspects to TheCable on Tuesday, said they did not understand why suspected Boko Haram members are being released in large numbers.
“A lot of soldiers are not happy about this. We were there at the Maimalari barracks when some of these Boko Haram people were released,” one of the soldiers said.
“The authorities are releasing them, but Boko Haram are killing soldiers that they capture. This does not make sense to us at all. We continue to sweep across the bushes to flush these people out, and then the government will release them. Does that not amount to wasted efforts?”
Another soldier said he believes most of the released suspects find their way back to crime.
“You wonder why Boko Haram members are on the increase? When we arrest them and bring them here, some top people would come and start negotiating their release.
FACEBOOK COMMENTS
View previous comments…Suanu Nwiluka
Very annoying and very sad news. But, it's not my concerns because they (northerners) form the boko haram and they know what they're benefiting from it; since boko haram can't come on Ogoni land i from and operate. Buhari and his brothers should do whatever they like, let me be hearing the news.
Oche Samuel Anyebe
This country no get way4ward... Imagine no Justice 4 dreaded terrorists group that have take thousands of souls beyond... Can you see the reason why president Donald Trump ban Nigeria from coming to America?
Samson Adio
Very sad!They're wasting the lives of our patriot soldiers bcs baba know d genesis of dis boko abi who is dia commander
Agboola A Isaac
Ok, alright, ofcouse, but,yes, infant, Boko Haram kills cow brain people 🐮🐮🐮🐮and you are free them, it good like that 🦁🦁🦁🦁
Chuks Chuks Chuks
Imagine sending innocent soldiers go and fight and you have already given terrorists equipment to fight and kill dem😢😢😢😢
