Giwa detention facility completes 1,450 terrorism cases, moves 500 suspects for trial

Giwa detention facility completes 1,450 terrorism cases, moves 500 suspects for trial

By: Zagazola Makama

The Joint Investigation Center located at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, says it has concluded investigations in about 1,450 terrorism-related cases, while over 500 suspects have recently been transferred for prosecution, many of whom were subsequently convicted.

The Commander of the facility, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Audu, disclosed this on Wednesday in a detailed briefing delivered by Capt. Obinwale, where he outlined the structure, operations and reforms of the multi-agency detention and investigation centre supporting counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.

Audu said the facility, established as a unified interrogation and screening hub for suspects arrested during counter-insurgency operations, remains central to Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

He explained that all suspects processed through the centre undergo structured investigations, legal review, and eventual classification into prosecution, rehabilitation, or reintegration pathways, depending on findings.

“After investigation, a complex casework group reviews all reports and provides legal advice. Based on the outcome, detainees are categorised into three groups: prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration,” he said.

He disclosed that “recently, the centre moved over 500 suspects for trial, most of whom were convicted,” adding that the development reflects improved coordination among security and justice institutions handling terrorism cases.

Audu said the centre operates as a multi-agency platform comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigeria Immigration Service, alongside legal experts from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to him, the arrangement ensures a holistic approach to terrorism investigations and strengthens the integrity of prosecution processes.

He noted that suspects are received with preliminary investigation reports from frontline units, formally documented, and assigned to investigators drawn from various security agencies.

The commander said detainees are kept in segregated facilities, with special provisions for women and children, while minors accompanied by mothers are provided with basic education and care within the centre.

He added that medical support is a key component of the facility’s operations, with isolation and treatment available for detainees suffering from illnesses such as tuberculosis, in collaboration with humanitarian partners.

Audu said the centre maintains structured feeding arrangements, with three meals daily provided to detainees, supported by improved water supply systems, including a 40,000-litre solar-powered borehole constructed with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

He also disclosed that inmates are provided with clothing, toiletries, and hygiene materials upon admission, while periodic fumigation is carried out to maintain sanitation standards.

According to him, detainees also benefit from physical and psychological support programmes, including access to sports, indoor games, and supervised exercise periods aimed at improving mental and physical well-being.

Audu said the facility also operates a “restoration of family links” programme, through which detainees communicate with relatives with support from international humanitarian organisations, including the ICRC.

On legal processes, he explained that investigations are conducted under the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011, as amended in 2013 and 2022, with judicial oversight through federal high court remand orders and adherence to human rights standards.

He noted that biometric data of all suspects is captured and stored in a national database to support intelligence gathering and future security operations.

The commander further highlighted collaboration with international partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UNICEF, and other humanitarian agencies, which have supported infrastructure development, training, and detainee welfare programmes.

He said UNODC constructed an evidence storage facility, while IOM established a data management system to improve screening and classification of suspects.

Audu added that UNICEF has provided educational materials for juveniles, while the ICRC continues to support healthcare delivery and humanitarian interventions within the facility.

He said detainees are also engaged in skill acquisition programmes such as tailoring, farming, poultry, fish farming, cap making, and bakery operations, designed to equip them with vocational skills for reintegration.

According to him, the bakery project recently established within the centre was introduced to reduce operational costs and enhance vocational training opportunities.

“The idea is to keep detainees engaged productively while awaiting investigation outcomes,” he said.

He explained that officers posted to the centre are carefully selected based on professional backgrounds in psychology, criminology, sociology, and related fields to improve investigative efficiency.

Audu also noted that the facility has received commendations from local and international dignitaries, including former defence ministers, service chiefs, United Nations officials, and counter-terrorism experts who have visited the centre.

He said the centre’s operations align with global best practices, particularly the United Nations principle that “effective counter-terrorism measures and protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing.”

Despite the achievements, he acknowledged challenges, including difficulty in securing witnesses from affected communities due to insecurity and fear of reprisal, as well as delays in prosecution processes which often prolong detainees’ stay in custody.

Giwa detention facility completes 1,450 terrorism cases, moves 500 suspects for trial