President Goodluck Jonathan has the
Nigerian security forces to release hundreds of persons held in connection with
insurgency in parts of northern Nigeria.
The suspects are being held in Police,
SSS and Military detention centers in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano,
`Kaduna, Gombe and Niger, among others.
A statement by the Director of
Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade explained that the
decision is sequel to the request of the Presidential Committee in Dialogue and
Reconciliation set up to explore the possibility of amnesty for converted
terrorists.
While
adding that details of the directives and beneficiaries have been communicated
to field units and the Joint Task Force, Olukolade said the suspects will be
released to the State Governors for further rehabilitation before the
beneficiaries are released to their respective community leaders or relations. The
directive which took many Nigerians and security agencies by surprise is viewed
in some quarters as part of efforts to end terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously
backed the state of emergency currently in place in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa
states. Lawmakers who contributed to the debate yesterday, said it was
necessary to restore lasting peace in that part of the country.
Before calling for a voice vote,
President of the Senate, David Mark explained that the Constitution stipulates
that the proclamation be approved by two thirds of the whole Senate and the
House of Representatives, failing which the proclamations and actions taken
under the proclamations lapse immediately.
Senator Mark urged the Federal government
to adequately fund the military onslaught as well as cater for the humanitarian
needs of the displaced persons. He also urged the military to abide by the rules
of engagement while carrying out eth national duty.
The Senate had last week, fixed Tuesday to
debate on the emergency rule. Also on Tuesday, the House of Representatives endorsed the emergency rule.
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