Nigeria’s federal high court sitting in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital has ordered the immediate release of three hundred and thirteen (313) suspected terrorists arrested by the military.
The court gave the order for what it called a lack of evidence to after investigations were carried out.
The director, defence media operations, major general Buba Edward, made this disclosure during an operational briefing on Thursday, March 28th, 2024 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
General Edward said, “the court ordered the release for want of evidence after the conclusion of investigation and other ancillary matters.
He stated further, “accordingly, they would be handed over to the Borno state government for further action.” adding that the cases were prosecuted by the Department of Prosecution and the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The defence spokesman gave further updates on suspected criminals arrested by troops in several parts of the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized, at least, 50 suspected terrorists in Borno and Adamawa states respectively.
Several calibre of weapons and the sum of N340,500.00 were also recovered from the slain terrorists.
“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,” he said.
