Nigerian Army has handed over 566 underaged persons, including breastfeeding children and mothers to the Borno Government after clearing them of being Boko Haram terrorists.

General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Victor Ezugwu, handed over those held in protective custody to Gov. Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Maiduguri.

Ezugwu said the gesture was aimed at ensuring that just and innocent Nigerians did not suffer for the atrocities committed by others

According to him, this is a clear demonstration of the passionate spirit demonstrated by the Army Headquarters toward ensuring that the innocent Nigerians do not suffer for the atrocities committed by the terrorists

Ezugwu said the military had respect for the fundamental human right for all suspects in its operations.

He said the detainees, included 149 breastfeeding mothers, 355 breastfeeding children and 62 children.

While receiving them, Shettima thanked the military for the gesture, and promised proper care for them, saying his administration’s continued care for families of Boko Haram insurgents was to break their cycle of violence and secure the future of the state.

He said government effort in providing care for the children was to break the culture of violence among the children.

He added these children would be raised like every other child, they will be raised to love and not to hate like their parents wished for them.

Shettima also explained that majority of the family members have been found to be innocent of the violence of the Boko Haram insurgents contrary to the wish of some members of the public who want the sins of insurgents meted on their families.