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Insecurity: Nigerian Army to court martial 17 soldiers who erred in peace operations

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The 3 Armored Division of the Nigerian Army is to Court Martial seventeen soldiers under the JTF (Operation Restore Order) and STF (Operation Safe Haven), who were said to have been duly investigated by the Military Police for various offences.

This was disclosed on Monday, by the General Officer Commanding 3 Armored Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ebiobowei Awala, during the Inauguration of a General Court Martial, held at the 3 Division, Rhino Officers Mess, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

According to him, “These offences include communication with the enemy, cowardly behavior, murder and manslaughter, among others.

Adding that, “The General Court Martial is one of those instruments conferred on me by virtue of the Armed Forces Act Chapter A 20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria to address problems like this.

He decried that, it was with heavy heart that he decided to convene the General Court Martial, barely four months after he assumed duty as GOC
of the division.

Explaining that, “I must state that if the Division is witnessing this Court Martial, it is because I want to sustain high level of professionalism required to confront the mounting security challenges in the Division Area of responsibility.

Stressing that, “I therefore enjoin all parties to this Court Martial to discharge their duties expeditiously and with a degree of commitment that will ensure the accused persons know their fate in good time. To be effective however, the legal system must be fair and just.

He maintained that, “Discipline is the foundation on which the military career rests. As a matter of fact, discipline and loyalty are two essential requirements no officer or soldier who want to succeed in professional soldiering can afford to lack.

Awala added, “Punishment is among the means available for maintenance of discipline in the Nigeria Army. As such, the kind of punishment should be adequate enough to achieve its purpose and serve as deterrence to others.

The GOC urge them to give due consideration to first-time offenders and those who plead guilty, “While bearing in mind the gravity of the offence. Justice must be seen to be done”.

“Let me urge the President and members of this Court to uphold the tenets of fairness and impartiality in the proceedings of the court and the dispensation of justice”.

The three states under emergency rule are all under the 3 Armored Division.