The Federal Government has commenced the trial of Boko Haram suspects currently detained at the military detention facility in Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State.

The lead judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja at the trials on Monday announced that cases of 700 suspects have been allotted for hearing.

There are at least 1,000 suspected members of the sect at the detention facility.

Authorities say about 468 persons are expected to be released for want of evidence. Those released will undergo a de-radicalisation programme under the office of the National Security Adviser.

The Director of Legal at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Shafi'i said the programme is a very important process for Nigeria in its effort to tackle the challenges of insurgency.

“This judicial process has never been done anywhere in the world,” he said. (Daily Trust)

•Photo by John Chuks shows the Boko Haram suspects take their seats at the trial holding in Kainji, today.