BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026/ 10:21AM
The Headquarters of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, has clarified that a report being recirculated on social media alleging the death of detainees, including children at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, is an old Amnesty International report from 2016 and not a recent development.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the OPHK's spokesman, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the attention of the headquarters was drawn to the recirculation of the old report.
According to the him, the report dates back to 2016 and concerns allegations relating to detention conditions during that period, with no connection to events or conditions at the facility in 2026.
’The report, which dates back to 2016, concerns allegations relating to detention conditions during that period and has no connection with events or conditions at the facility in 2026. Its current recirculation without the appropriate historical context is therefore misleading and capable of creating the false impression that the reported deaths are recent occurrences,' the statement said.
For clarity, OPHK said the Amnesty International report was published in May 2016 and the figures contained therein relate to alleged deaths recorded between January and May of that year.
'While the report represents Amnesty International's account of events at the time, its contents should not be presented as a current development, fact, or used to characterise the prevailing situation at the facility a decade later,' Capt. Goni said.
The task force urged media organisations, online platforms and members of the public to exercise due diligence when reproducing archival reports, particularly those concerning sensitive security and humanitarian matters.
'Such reports should be accompanied by their original dates and relevant context to ensure that historical allegations are not inadvertently presented as current events or used to generate unnecessary public apprehension,' it said.
OPHK said the joint investigation centre at Giwa Barracks continues to operate in accordance with extant Nigerian laws, established procedures and applicable international standards.
'The centre places emphasis on the welfare, lawful treatment and rehabilitation of detainees, including access to necessary care, skills acquisition and vocational training, as well as Western and Islamic education. The centre also maintains engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations, while access has been granted to national and international media organisations in 2026 to observe its activities and prevailing conditions,' the statement added.
OPHK reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and the continuous improvement of the management and welfare of persons in its custody.
'The joint task force remains focused on the effective discharge of its mandate to restore lasting peace and normalcy across the North East through sustained and professionally conducted operations,' Capt. Goni said.
The public was therefore encouraged to verify the date, source and context of security related reports before accepting or sharing them, particularly when such reports concern events from previous years.
OPHK further called on media organisations to uphold responsible and accurate reporting by clearly distinguishing historical reports from current developments in the North East.