7 November 2024

Counter-Terrorism: 2,400 Boko Haram prisoners released as JIC and UNODC review over 2,900 case files

*Photo R-L: Badaru, Stolpe*

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has in partnership with the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files, leading to the release of 2,400 Boko Haram prisoners.

This was disclosed by the Representative of the UNODC, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, when he visited the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in his office at Ship House, Abuja on Tuesday.

Stolpe noted that the review of the case files was part of UNODC’s collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces in the area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security, according to a press statement by Henshaw Ogubike, Director (Information), Ministry of Defence.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister of Defence commended UNODC on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He said Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

“Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria,” Badaru said.

On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society.

Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism.

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