News: DHQ inaugurates joint investigation team to screen terrorists

Following the promise by the Federal Government that it would screen and rehabilitate certain Boko Haram suspects apprehended during the onslaught to dislodge terrorists from the North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the Defence Headquarters has inaugurated an 18-member panel to carry out the screening.


Saturday Vanguard recalls that the Federal Government specifically declared that mostly women, children and vulnerable youths as well as unfortunate foreigners caught in the line of battle, would benefit from the government’s gesture; which is further proof that human rights/privileges are been respected.

The 18-member Committee to screen and categorize persons apprehended in connection with terrorism in the ongoing security operations in parts of the country, was inaugurated yesterday by  Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim.

A statement signed by Brigadier General Chris Olukolade noted that “The measure is geared towards the need to further ensure that   the legal rights of persons involved are observed”.

”The team which will classify the detainees comprises  experienced legal officers from security agencies as well as Ministries of Justice and Offices of Attorney General of the Federation and the affected states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States”,the statement said.

”They are to submit a report to the CDS within one month making appropriate recommendations with regards to prosecution, further investigation, deportation and or unconditional release of the detainees”. Speaking while Inaugurating the committee, the CDS who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Major General   Lawrence Ngubane charged the team to see their assignment as a national call to duty.

He enjoined them to bring to bear   their wealth of experience in the new assignment, stressing that the work of the team is very important to the nation hence their selection to work in the committee.