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Army confirms soldiers are facing military court martial over rights abuse

By Karls Tsokar, Abuja.
08 February 2016   |   1:59 am
LEADERSHIP of the Nigeria Army has confirmed that soldiers are facing military court martial in Maiduguri for alleged human rights abuses and other violations. Rights group Amnesty International (AI) has been pressing for a thorough investigation of human rights abuse against soldiers of the Nigerian military, currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.…

Nigerian-Army

LEADERSHIP of the Nigeria Army has confirmed that soldiers are facing military court martial in Maiduguri for alleged human rights abuses and other violations.

Rights group Amnesty International (AI) has been pressing for a thorough investigation of human rights abuse against soldiers of the Nigerian military, currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

The group petitioned the president to look into the allegations and other suspected violations perpetrated by some officers and the troops, especially those of the Operation Lafiya Dole.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of the Army Col. Sani Usman said cases of indiscipline by soldiers would not be overlooked, as the recent spate of bomb attacks on some communities in the northeast might be due to negligence and is currently being investigated.

And necessary disciplinary actions would be taken by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) himself or can delegate through his field commanders, as legally mandated.

The statement reads in part: “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 abuses in the operations will be tried by the this Special Court Martial”.‬

The statement also disputes the report that some soldiers are disenchanted with happenings in the army, which led to the alleged takeover of operational command in the Northeast by Defence Headquarters, saying the speculation is unfortunate and figment of imagination of the writer.

“The Armed Forces Act (AFA), Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 in Section 7, clearly states the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and his powers. He therefore exercises his powers in accordance with the appropriate statue books. He superintends over all the Services; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Air Force.‬”

It clarifies further that the operation in the North East is not an exception. Noting that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is responsible for all land operations and “will continue to exercise that role and as may be directed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  through the Honourable Minister of Defence, the CDS or directly to the COAS.

“The operation in the Northeast is basically land and air with the Army having the largest troops deployed and this therefore means the COAS has the responsibility for the operational, command, control and discipline of the Army.”

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