Army Spokesman, Colonel SK Usman, revealed that the “joint intelligence community investigated and authorized” the release of these prisoners. He added that the release was part of Nigeria’s National Army Day, which was held on July 6th to commemorate the first shots of Nigeria’s Civil War at Garaken,Cross Rivers State.

The prisoners were reportedly released to the governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima.

According to Sahara reporters, 40 boys, 24 women, 100 adult
men and 18 children were among those released today.

In addition to the prisoner release, Colonel Usman said that the Army was celebrating the opening of a new military center, providing two days of free medical treatment for Borno State residents, and awarding Purple Heart and Operation Zaman Lafiya medals to soldiers fighting Boko Haram. All these events were tied to Nigeria’s National Army Day.

Meanwhile, the military had confirmed that more people
detained for alleged links with the Boko Haram sect will be released after being cleared by its joint intelligence cell.

Sometimes last month, the Nigerian army handed over four foreigners and 124 Nigerians detained in connection with the Boko Haram terrorist group to Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno state.