JIC Completes Investigation of 1,450 Terrorism Suspects, Faces Challenges in Prosecution

The Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) has announced that investigations into the involvement of 1,450 terrorists have been completed, and the trials are now set to begin.

However, the Centre noted that delays in prosecution are hindering their progress.

Acting Commander of the JIC, Colonel AU Ahmed, represented by Captain Olugbenga Adeniyi, made this statement while briefing journalists on the Centre’s activities.

Col. Ahmed stated that the 1,450 terrorists are among the total 1,877 individuals under investigation at the Centre for their involvement in terrorist activities.

He explained that after the investigations were completed, the suspects were categorized into three groups. The Complex Casework Group (CCG) then reviewed the investigation reports and provided the necessary legal advice.

“Based on the result of the investigations and the legal review, the detainees are categorized into 3 groups; which are Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.

“Those recommended for prosecution are taken to Giwa Project in Kainji, those for rehabilitation are moved to Op SAFE CORRIDOR, and those for reintegration are handed over to the Borno State Government,” he said.

Ahmed also expressed frustration that, despite fulfilling its mandate, the Centre faces several challenges, including difficulties in accessing witnesses and delays in prosecution.

“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 scene, 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”.

The reintegration of deradicalised terrorists is still ongoing under the Borno State government, with the most recent batch of 230 repentant terrorists completing the process last month.