Boko Haram has been
demanding the release of suspects
Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the release of
all women held in connection with "terrorist activity", the defence
ministry says.
The decision was aimed at enhancing peace efforts in Nigeria, it
added.
The army is conducting an offensive in three states, where an
emergency was declared last week to fight the militant Islamist group Boko
Haram.
The group had set the release of women and children as a condition
for talks with the government.
More than 2,000 people have died in the conflict in Nigeria
since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009.
Earlier this month, it said it had abducted women and teenage
girls in response to the security forces arresting the relatives of its
fighters.
It said it would treat them as "slaves".
The defence ministry said a number of suspects detained for
"terrorist activities" would be freed.
"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," it added, in a statement.
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