Army releases B/Haram suspects

Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Borno State was marked with the release of 257 suspected Boko Haram members arrested by the Army at the expansive Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

Handing over the suspects to the Deputy Governor Usman Mamman Durkwa, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said they were thoroughly screened before their release.

Durkwa, Maj.-Gen. Irabor and other personalities later performed the tradition laying of wreath for the fallen heroes.

Also at the state capital, one of the widows of a deceased soldier, who joined Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in the wreath-laying ceremony, broke down in tears, apparently reflecting the memories of her late husband as she stood at the cenotaph to pray for the fallen soldiers.

At the event at the Quarter Guard of the Government House, Damaturu, the governor inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the 241 RECCE Battalion, Nguru.

Gaidam led the GOC 3 Div. Major General Peter Dauke, other service commanders, Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs Alhaji Mohamadu Abali Ibn Mohammadu Idrisa, Nigeria Legion Chairman Captain Ibrahim Gadine (rtd) and one of the widows of the fallen heroes to perform the symbolic laying of wreath.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes. The governor performed the release of pigeons symbolising peace.

The occasion was attended by prominent government functionaries, including the deputy governor and other members of the state executive council.