The Borno State Youths Forum (BSYF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the immediate and unconditional release of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.
In an open letter to the President, the group urged the Federal Government to consider what it described as Kyari’s outstanding contributions to national security during his years of service in the Nigeria Police Force.
The youths particularly highlighted his tenure as commander of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), as well as his operations in Borno State and other parts of the country.
According to the forum, Kyari and his team played a major role in disrupting Boko Haram operations in Borno, including the arrest of suspected commanders linked to suicide bombings and the destruction of bomb-making facilities.
The group also claimed that Kyari was involved in the arrest of suspects linked to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
It further cited his alleged involvement in operations against terrorist and criminal networks in Abuja and other parts of the country.
The forum listed several notorious criminal suspects, including Evans, Godogodo, Vampire, Ade Lawyer, Umar Abdulmalik, Halti, Zakari Yau, Ability, Dabo and Dogo Russia, among those it said were arrested through operations associated with Kyari.
The youths also pointed to awards and commendations they said Kyari received during his career, including three IGP Medals for Courage, the Presidential Medal for Courage in 2016 and an award from the National Assembly in 2020.
They also referenced a 2019 commendation they attributed to the FBI for Kyari’s role in investigations involving American citizens.
The group said Kyari’s record of service should be considered alongside the allegations and legal issues surrounding his case.
“His contributions and achievements in the service of this nation are uncountable,” the forum said, alleging that the case against him was part of an attempt to damage his reputation.
The Borno youths therefore appealed to Tinubu to intervene and consider Kyari’s release, saying it would be in the interest of justice, peace and national security.
The appeal comes amid the ongoing legal issues surrounding the former IRT commander.
