By AHMED KAIGAMA

The Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has clarified that an Amnesty International report on Giwa Barracks dates to 2016.

The clarification followed the recent recirculation of the report, which alleged deaths among detainees held at the Maiduguri facility.

Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, OPHK, made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in Maiduguri.

Goni said Amnesty International published the report in May 2016, covering alleged detention conditions and deaths recorded between January and May that year.

He said its recent circulation without historical context could create the misleading impression that the alleged deaths were recent.

“The report concerns allegations relating to detention conditions during that period and has no connection with events or conditions at the facility in 2026,” he said.

According to him, the report represented Amnesty International’s account of events at the time and should not be presented as a current development.

He also cautioned against using the report to characterise prevailing conditions at the facility without considering subsequent developments.

Goni urged media organisations, online platforms and the public to verify the dates and context of archival reports.

He said this was particularly important when dealing with sensitive security and humanitarian issues.

Goni said the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks continued to operate in accordance with Nigerian laws and established procedures.

He added that the Centre also operated in line with applicable international standards, while prioritising the welfare and lawful treatment of detainees.

According to him, detainees have access to necessary care, skills acquisition, vocational training, and Western and Islamic education.

He said the Centre also maintained engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations.

Goni added that national and international media organisations had been granted access in 2026 to observe the Centre’s activities and prevailing conditions.

He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in detainee management and welfare.

Goni urged the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before sharing them.

He similarly urged media organisations to distinguish clearly between historical reports and current developments to avoid unnecessary public apprehension.

Goni said OPHK remained committed to restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East through sustained and professionally conducted operations. (NAN)