Nigerian Army Commences Construction Of Holding Facility

Performing the foundation laying ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai represented by the Chief of Logistics ‘Army’ Major General Enobong Udoh stated that, the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East, has made it mandatory for the arrest and detention of suspected insurgents who must be properly taken care of in accordance with international best practices while in custody.

In his words, “the quest for a functional safe holding facility, with adequate sanitary conditions for the effective management of suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) for further investigation activities, is the driving force behind the execution of this project”, he added.

He reiterated that, in order to relieve the front line units of the responsibility of administering arrested suspects, there arises the need to have a facility where suspects will be kept and properly managed, adding that this was the reason the Joint Investigation Centre was established.

He further emphasised that, the Centre serves as a transit holding and detention facility for suspected terrorists before they are handed over to relevant prosecuting or rehabilitating agencies.

Also speaking, the Head of Sub Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mr Markus Dolder, expressed his delight over the ground breaking ceremony, describing it as indicative of the compliance by the Nigerian Army with global best practices.

He stated that, the impact of the project will further strengthen the cooperation between the Army and stake holders, especially in the management of suspects undergoing investigation.

In his words, “I am very much impressed about the efforts that has been launched over the last few months, they are much more than we actually thought could come and this is more than we could potentially dream of”, he stressed.

He urged the Nigerian Army to keep its own part of the bargain as they strive to meet international best practices for the welfare and well being of detainees.

Present at the occasion were the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Abba Dikko, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, Commander Joint Investigation Centre Brigadier General Ibrahim Salihu, Comptroller of Prisons Borno State Command Mr Inuwa Garba, Deputy Head of Sub Delegation, ICRC Borno State Mr Amro Ibrahim, Representatives of the Borno state Commissioner of Police, among others.