The Nigerian Army says it has freed 249 suspected Boko Haram members.

The Boko Haram insurgency has raged on in Nigeria’s northeast for about seven years now killing over ten thousand.

However, in the past few months, the military has succeeded in beating back the Islamist militant sect and significantly reduced the amount of suicide attacks on innocent civilians in the northeast.

Those cleared and released include 169 males, 46 women and 34 children.

The released persons were handed over to Borno State government through the Commissioner for Local Government by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.

In his remarks, the Commissioner advised the released detainees to remain law abiding and go about their lawful businesses.

He also commended the effort of the military in the fight against terrorism and insurgency and respect for human rights as manifested in the painstaking efforts that led to their clearance and subsequent release. (TV360 Nigeria)

•Photo shows Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. TY Buratai.