Jonathan Has Ordered 165 Terror Suspects To Be Set Free, Nigerian Military Says

EBELE JONATHAN
 The Nigerian military said on Friday it has been ordered by President  Goodluck Jonathan to release over 165 persons it apprehended in the course of military operations in the three states under emergency rule: Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

A statement on the presidential directive signed by the spokesperson for the military, Major General Chris Olukolade however said the suspects would be released to their state governments soon.
The suspects were earlier recommended for release by the Joint Investigation Team, (JIT) set up by the Defence Headquarters last year.  Of the number, 157 are from facilities in Borno, nine from Yobe and one suspect from Adamawa. The spokesman recalled that other detainees, particularly women and children, have previously benefitted from the same gesture, which started in May last year.  More suspects in this category are also to benefit in the present exercise, he said.
One analyst noted that the presidential gesture may have something to do with Mr. Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015, citing problems he is having with the electorate, especially in the northern part of the country.