Amnesty International has called on Nigerian military authorities under Operation Hadin Kai to immediately charge to court or release civilians allegedly being held for prolonged periods without trial at the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, The human rights organisation also called for an investigation into allegations of arbitrary arrests, extortion and prolonged detention, saying such practices could violate protections guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as applicable international human rights and humanitarian law.
“People should not be held indefinitely without charge, access to legal representation or an opportunity to challenge the lawfulness of their detention,” Amnesty International said.
According to cases documented by the organisation, civilians from different parts of Borno State have allegedly been arrested and detained for extended periods without being formally charged.
Among those cited is Mohammed Kontoma, a roadside petrol seller from Konduga Local Government Area. Amnesty International said Kontoma was arrested in Maiduguri in August 2025 while carrying 25 litres of fuel in containers and has allegedly remained in Giwa Barracks without trial.
The organisation also highlighted the case of Aisami Abatcha, a local pick-up driver from Gubio LGA, who was reportedly arrested on April 13, 2026, along the Dunga-Gubio road.
According to the account documented by Amnesty International, Abatcha was arrested after allegedly refusing to pay a bribe demanded by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) at a checkpoint before being handed over to military authorities.
Another detainee, Abubakar Isa
