terrorists activities and the camps in North East Nigeria continues, President
Goodluck Jonathan has directed the release from Police, SSS and Military
detention centers, of hundreds of persons held in connection with the
insurgency.
The action of the President which took many Nigerians
and security agencies by surprise is however interpreted by presidency sources
as the ‘Carrot and Stick’ policy by the Commander in Chief to bringing an end
to the Boko Haram debacle.
Breeze Magazine gathered that the beneficiaries will cut across such states as
Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, `Kaduna, Gombe and Niger, though the exact
number was not revealed.
The federal government however explained that the decision to order the release
is sequel to the request of the Presidential Committee in Dialogue and
Reconciliation set up to explore the possibility of amnesty for converted
terrorists.
A statement to that effect signed by the Director of Defence Information,
Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said “Consequent upon the directives of the
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence
Headquarters will be releasing from detention a number of persons being held in
connection with terrorist activities”.
“The move is in furtherance of the Federal Government position in response to
requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation”.
“The measure which is in line with Presidential magnanimity to enhance peace
efforts in the country will result in freedom for suspects including all women
under custody”.
“The details of the directives and those to benefit from this gesture have been
communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force”.
“The beneficiaries will be released to the State Governors who will be involved
in further rehabilitation before these suspects are released to their
respective community leaders/relations”.