Following the directives by His Excellency, the Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan, that all the detained women in connection with terrorist charges be released in furtherance of the Federal Government of Nigeria position in response to requests by its Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation, the Defence Headquarters has kick-started the process of releasing of a number of persons being held in -related to terrorist activities across the northern part of the country. According to the Director of Defense Communication, Brig. Gen Chris Olukolade, thePresident's directives have been passed to the field units and the Joint Task Force. The suspected terrorists will be released to their states governors who will further carry out rehabilitation programmes before these suspected terrorists can be released to their respective community leaders and relations. Here is Gen Chris Olukolade's full statement: “Consequent upon the directives of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters will be releasing from detention a number of persons being held in connection with terrorist activities. “The move is in furtherance of the Federal Government position in response to requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation. The measure which is in line with Presidential magnanimity to enhance peace efforts in the country will result in freedom for suspects including all women under custody.” The Defence spokesman added: “Details of the directives and those to benefit from this gesture have been communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force. “The beneficiaries will be released to the state governors who will be involved in further rehabilitation before these suspects are released to their respective community leaders/relations.” What do you make of this development? Would the government's dual or double-approach stance on its pursuit against terrorism enhance the amnesty programme it embarks upon and proffer a lasting solution to the insecurity challenges facing the country? Is this a step in the right direction?