Military: We Monitor Success of Prosecution of Offenders Given to Agencies

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian military, yesterday, denied handing over arrested felons and looking the other way, stating that “the military also follows the trend of the prosecution to ascertain whether justice was served adequately.”

Responding to questions during an update on operational activities of troops across all theatres of operation in Abuja on Thursday, the military restated that it has no prosecutorial powers.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, while addressing a press conference, said troops on internal operations arrested no fewer than 1,191 terrorists, including kingpins, in the second quarter of 2025.

He revealed that over 680 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops within the period, while 543 abducted hostages were also rescued across all theatres.

Responding to a question on follow-up on the prosecution of arrested felons handed over to prosecuting agencies, he said, “On the follow-up, you see, like you actually stated, that we don’t prosecute.

“Once we make an arrest, we hand it over to relevant government agencies that are empowered to prosecute. And it is not that when we hand over those suspects for prosecution, we just forget about it completely.

“The military also follows the trend of the prosecution to ascertain whether justice has been served adequately. But to determine what punishment to be given to them is not that of the military.

“Our job is to carry out our operations, and if, in the course of our operation, there is a need for arrested suspects to be handed over to prosecuting agencies, the military will hand them over. And then the police, prosecuting councils, and the judiciary will carry out the prosecution.”

General Kangye said the troops are doing their best and are conducting the operation in accordance with the code of conduct, rules of engagement, and the laws of armed conflict.