The Joint Investigation Centre (JIC), North East Operation Hadin Kai, has completed investigation of 1,450 suspected terrorists who are now awaiting trial.
The Acting Commander of JIC, Col AU Ahmed, represented by Captain Olugbenga Adeniyi, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the Centre’s activities in Maiduguri.
Ahmed said the 1,450 suspects were part of 1,877 individuals being investigated at the Centre for their involvement in terror-related activities.
He noted that upon completion of investigations, those not found culpable were rehabilitated, while some were sent for deradicalisation. The active suspects were transferred to the Giwa Centre in Kainji for trial.
“After the investigation, the Complex Casework Group (CCG) carries out the review of the investigation reports and offers the necessary legal advice.”
“Based on the result of the investigations and the legal review, the detainees are categorised into three groups: Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.”
“Those recommended for prosecution are taken to Giwa Project in Kainji, those for Rehabilitation are moved to Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, and those for Reintegration are handed over to the Borno State Government,” he said.
The commander highlighted the lack of witnesses as a major challenge affecting the Centre’s operations, noting difficulties in accessing witnesses during investigations and trials.
He also expressed concern over the delays in prosecuting suspects after investigations have concluded.
“The Centre faces difficulty in securing most of the witnesses that would have aided the investigations.”
“This is partly due to lack of accessibility by own investigators to most of the areas of arrest or crime scenes, and the unwillingness of some witnesses to come forward and testify.”
“The delay in prosecution of most of the suspects whose investigations have been completed also poses a great challenge to the Centre.”
“Most of the suspects in detention are awaiting prosecution; however, the delay in prosecution is responsible for the continuous stay of the suspects in detention longer than necessary,” he added.
Several calls have been made for the establishment of a special court to try terrorism cases, considering the nature and complexity of such cases.
(NAN)