The Nigerian military has released 983 suspected Boko Haram members that were cleared of connivance with the terror group on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, head of military, counter-insurgency operation (Lafiya Dole) North–East, handed the men to Borno State government.

Adeniyi held that the 983 were alleged to have links with the Boko Haram.

While he released them to the State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara at the Giwa Barrack, Maiduguri, he appealed that they should be empowered by training them in various trades and crafts.

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Meanwhile, he told the insurgents still in the dugouts that if they voluntarily surrender the society will welcome them back.

Adeniyi advised those discharged to stay away from the insurgents.

In his words, “Any member of the insurgents who is willing to surrender should submit themselves to the Nigerian military, any army formation, police stations or any security agency office.

“And we are going to reintegrate them back into the society without intimidation.

Reacting, Prof. Babagana Umara assured the military that his government will take the men to the rehabilitation centre to be trained in various crafts.

Also that the government of Borno State has been working in collaboration with Operation Safe Corridor on such cases.