The Nigerian Army is to inaugurate a military court-martial for soldiers accused of various offences in the ongoing operation against Boko Haram in the North-East.
A security source, who confided in our correspondent on Sunday, said that the court-martial would be convened by the Army at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja on Monday.
It was learnt that the trial would involve a brigadier general, a colonel, a lieutenant colonel and other ranks of the service. The source was not specific on the number of those to be tried.
It was stated that some of the officers would face trial over recent attacks on communities close to Maiduguri, including Dalori, where over 86 people were killed.
It was further learnt that others would be arraigned for allegedly stealing and selling ammunition, loss of firearms and others.
According to the source, an unnamed colonel is among the officers being held for alleged diversion of funds meant for the allowances of soldiers on a foreign mission.
The source said that the colonel and those now in custody at the Mogadishu Cantonment would also be arraigned before the court-martial.
“The Nigerian Army will convene a General Military Court-Martial at the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja.
“The personnel comprising a brigadier general, colonel, lieutenant colonel and other junior ranks are already in custody.
“One of the officers would face trial in connection with an alleged diversion of funds meant for the allowances of troops on foreign mission while others would be arraigned in connection with the attacks on some towns around Maiduguri recently.
“Others are going to face trial for regimental issues such as selling ammunition, loss of rifles and others.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, had said in a statement on Monday that the service was concerned about the attacks on communities around Maiduguri and had commenced investigations.
He said that anyone found culpable would be made to face a Special Military Court-Martial in accordance with military law.
He said, “The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes call for concern. To this end, the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks. All those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act.
“A standing Special Court-Martial in the North-East has already been established by the Nigerian Army. All cases of indiscipline and related acts of misconduct including human rights abuse in the operations will be tried by this Special Court-Martial.”
It was also learnt that the Defence Headquarters would inaugurate another court-martial at the headquarters of the Operation Safe Haven in Jos on Monday.
The court-martial will be led by a Sector Commander in Operation Safe Haven, simply identified as Col. Gbadebo.
