Terror War: FG To Prosecute 886 Boko Haram Fighters

• 323 detainees for deradicalization

BY EDMOND ODOK – Amid ongoing war against terror by the Nigerian Military  about 886 hardened Boko Haram detainees are currently awaiting transfer to Giwa Project in Kainji, Niger State, for prosecution

Similarly, 323 detainees were on September 8, 2022, transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State under the Federal Government’s Deradicalization Demobilization and Rehabilitation (DDR) programme.

According to the Theatre Commander, North East Joint Operation, Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa, the Giwa Centre currently has a total of 1,893 suspects in custody, adding that “over 82, 237 terrorist’s and their families had surrendered since July 2021”.

General Musa, who spoke through Colonel Obinna Azuike, the Acting Theater Intelligence Coordinator, said; “Out of the surrendered persons, 16,577 were active male fighters, 24,499 are women, while 41,161 are children.”

He stated that; “Information obtained from detailed debriefings of the surrendered terrorists are being continually factored into the operations of the theatre. Such debriefings are routinely undertaken as more fighters continue to surrender in their numbers.

“The current humanitarian situation across the holding centres has remained relatively calm since the cholera outbreak of September this year. The epidemic resulted in the death of 62 men, 44 women and 96 children, bringing to a total of 202 deaths.

“Nevertheless, the situation has since been brought under control, with efforts from the State Ministry of Health and several NGOs in the state.”

Further highlighting issues around the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists, the Theatre Commander said; “Also, the commencement of a comprehensive Disarmament, De-radicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme by the Borno State government, in conjunction with International Organizations and Op Safe Corridor, will positively encourage the surrender of more persons and will be a catalyst to the ongoing peace process.”

General Musa also spoke on the rescued Chibok girls, saying; “Troops of OPHK have within this year alone, rescued 11 of the abducted 2014 GGSS Chibok girls. The first of the girls, Hauwa Joseph, was intercepted along with her child at Ngazua in Bama on June 12, 20 22 by troops of OPHK.

“Secondly, Miss Mary Dauda was rescued along with her child at Gava in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on June 14, 2022, by own troops.

“Similarly, on June 27, 20 22, the third Chibok girl, named Ruth Bitrus, and her child escaped from Ukuba BHT camp in Sambisa and was rescued by own troops in Bama.

“On 25 July 25, 20 22, troops also rescued two Chibok girls, named Kauna Luka, and Hanatu Musa with their children at Aulari in Bama general area.

“Also, the sixth Chibok girl, named Aisha Grema (pregnant) with her 4 year-old child, was rescued by troops in Bama on August 12, 20 22. Aisha Grema hails from Mbalala village in Chibok LGA.

“The seventh Chibok girl to be rescued this year was Falmata Lawal and her child who was rescued by own troops in Bama general area on August 30, 2022. Miss Falmata Lawal hails from Chigi village in Chibok LGA.

“On September 1, 2022, troops also rescued Miss Asabe Ali and her child who escaped from a BHT camp in Gazuwa, Bama LGSA. Also, the ninth Chibok girl rescued was Miss Jinkai Yama along with three of her children in Bama on September 2, 2022.

”Additionally, Miss Yana Pogu was the tenth girl rescued along with her four children, while Miss Rejoice Senki was rescued with her two children. The rescued girls were handed over to the Borno State government after comprehensive medical examination and initial provision of psycho-social support from the Theatre.”

Furthermore, the Army General said; “The statistics of the 276 abducted Chibok School girls indicates that 57 girls escaped in 2014, 107 girls released in 2018; three recovered in 2019; two recovered in 2021 and 11 girls rescued so far in 2022.”

Noting that a total 180 Chibok girls have so far been out of captivity, with the remaining 96 girls still unaccounted for, the Theatre Commander explained that at present, over 2,018 persons, comprising 339 adult males, 660 adult females and 1,019 children have been rescued from terrorists’ captivity within the year.

He said; “The Theatre Command OPHK will continue in its quest to rescue other persons held in captivity. Additionally, the centre is currently partnering with the Lake Chad Basin Support Programme to establish a database for the preservation of battlefield evidence, forensic investigations, and capacity building for personnel.

“This would address the inherent challenges associated with the prosecution of suspected terrorists. Also, the centre has introduced basic education and skill acquisition programmes for minors and adult detainees in a bid to keep them engaged, useful and valued.”

On efforts at reuniting abducted persons with their families, General Musa said; “Physical training exercises and the ability to re-establish and restore family links with their loved ones is also being conducted in the centre, in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC.”

He hinted that these developments have yielded positive results among the suspects while also attracting commendations from other partnering organizations.