From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri
Authorities of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri yesterday released 42 persons, who were among several detainees being held for allegedly belonging to the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
The division said the detainees, comprising Nigerians and foreign nationals were arrested differently and at separate locations over suspicion of having link with the militant sect.
Spokesman of the division, Col. Sani Usman, who handed over the affected persons to Governor Kashim Shettima at the Government House in Maiduguri, declared that they have no any case to answer in connection with insurgency.
“The Nigerian Army has for some time now been fighting terrorism in the country. During this period, some suspected terrorists were arrested and detained. However, after being investigated, 42 of them, which included three foreigners, who were found innocent, are now freed.
He said that the three foreigners included a Burkinabe, a Cameroonian and a Chadian national, adding that the division had provided a token of N100, 000 to each
of the 39 Nigerians to enable them return home.
He commended the state government and the residents for their supports in the fight against terrorism.
Responding, Governor Shettima thanked the division for the release of the suspects.
He promised to assist in repatriating the three foreigners to their countries.
Shettima also gave unspecified cash donations to the suspects even as he directed the state Head of Service, Alhaji Bukar Yakubu to employ some of them as tailors in the state service.
He also promised to assist those who were students to complete their studies.
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