Operation Lafiya Dole: Army Clears 983 Boko Haram Suspects

The Nigeria Army has handed over a total of 983 repented Boko Haram sympathizers to the Borno State Government.

The handing over ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

While conducting the handing over, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole Major-General Adeniyi, stated that the detainees ‘ have been screened, investigated, cleared and can no longer be called Boko Haram terrorists and sympathizers’

He reiterated that ‘henceforth, no one should refer to them or identify them as members of Boko Haram’.

While urging the released suspects to go and sin no more, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi, advised the state government to initiate an intervention program to reshape their minds, train them in life skills, provide funds for trading and ensure a new lease of life for them.

The former suspects who consist of five females were received by the State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

Governor Zulum, expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Army for their painstaking efforts in keeping the state peaceful while paying tribute to fallen soldiers who lost their lives on the battle ground.

The Governor assured the Army that the State government will ensure the returnees are engaged in meaningful ventures that will ensure they can easily integrate into the society.

He also used the opportunity to call on those still in hiding to come out and take advantage of ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ of the Nigeria Army which receives and rehabilitates former insurgents.

The Theatre Commander Operation Lafia Dole Maj.Gen Adeniyi, further stated the commitment of the Nigeria Army to best International Military Practices.

He declared that ‘the command will not intimidate, harass or threaten anyone in the course of operation adding that the suspects still in custody will go through proper screening and evaluation before release to the state government’