Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, who received the rescued persons from the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Leo Irabor, during Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Maiduguri, said the military has made this year's occasion unique after the fall of Sambisa Forest.
The Nigerian Army on Thursday freed 257 suspected Boko Haram detainees, according to an announcement made by the military at the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, who received the rescued persons from the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Leo Irabor, during Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Maiduguri, said the military has made this year's occasion unique after the fall of Sambisa Forest.
Mr. Irabor said the freed detainees have no links with Boko Haram after several investigations were carried out by security agencies.
"The 257 Boko Haram detainees have been screened and found to be innocent. The Army Day celebrations have afforded us the opportunity to free them to mark the occasion," Mr. Irabor said.
While responding, Mr. Shettima, represented by his deputy , Mamman Durkwa, paid tribute to the fallen heroes, who he said paid the supreme price for the unity of the nation.
"We must be committed to ensure that the labors of our heroes past are not in vain. I commend the Nigerian military and other security agencies for wiping out terrorists from Sambisa Forest. In fact, it makes this year's remembrance ceremony unique," Mr. Durkwa said.
