Nigerian army frees 267 detainees, no links to Boko Haram

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Nigeria’s army is freeing 267 detainees found to have no links to the Boko Haram Islamic extremists including 72 minors, some looking no more than 3 years old.

Maj. Gen. Haruna Umaru says another eight suspects were handed to the police for further investigation.

Umaru told a ceremony at a military barracks in northeastern Maiduguri city Friday that investigations found those released had no links with terrorism.

They include four people from neighboring Cameroon and Niger.

One freed woman said she was detained for six months on suspicion of being the girlfriend of a Boko Haram fighter.

It’s not known how many people remain in detention. Amnesty International holds Nigeria’s military responsible for the deaths of 8,000 detainees since 2011 – some shot outright, others dying of torture and starvation.