Nigeria to Release 313 Suspected Boko Haram Insurgents

Nigeria’s military is set to release over 300 individuals suspected of involvement with the Boko Haram insurgency following a court ruling that found insufficient evidence to link them to any crimes, according to a statement from a defense spokesperson on Thursday.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, aimed to overthrow the Nigerian government and establish an Islamic state. This violent conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and displaced over 2 million, leading to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally.

Major General Edward Buba, the defense spokesperson, announced during a media briefing in Abuja that the 313 suspects, previously suspected of affiliations with Boko Haram, would be released following a court decision in northeastern Borno state, the epicenter of the insurgency. The court, after concluding its investigations and related procedures, ruled to release the suspects due to insufficient evidence.

These cases were handled by the Department of Prosecution, part of the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the individuals will now be transferred to the Borno State Government for further action, as per Buba’s statement.

Details regarding the location of the suspects’ detention and the duration of their confinement were not disclosed by Buba.

In Nigeria, an amnesty program has been in operation for militants who voluntarily surrender. Participants undergo a rehabilitation process before being reintegrated into society. However, this initiative has led to tensions in certain communities.

Boko Haram gained international attention in 2014 when it abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from Chibok town, prompting the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Despite efforts over the past decade, many of the kidnapped girls remain missing, with the tenth anniversary of the abduction approaching next month