According to the guardian, about 579 officers and men of the Nigerian Army are facing court martial for various offences.The Acting Director of the Department of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Sani Usman, who disclosed this at the monthly press briefing yesterday, in Abuja, also said the trials are taking place in two locations: One, “at the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison where there are 473 officers, and ranks and also at 81 Division where 106 are docked.
He stressed that having the trials in two locations was to ensure quick dispensation of justice, discipline and professionalism.
The Army spokesman also said the soldiers already sentenced would be allowed to appeal but not before the Military Council that is vested with the powers to confirm the sentence, did so.
Denying allegations that the soldiers on trial are treated inhumanely, Usman said: “Soldiers in detention have access to facilities, just bare necessities of life, clothing, feeding and shelter. It is not correct that they are starved.”Usman said in a bid to beef up the numerical strength of troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents, 481 more personnel and one additional battalion have been drafted to the Northeast, stressing that it is the avowed goal of the Nigerian Army to intensify the search for the Chibok girls by combing all known hideouts and bunkers of the terrorists.
(culled: The guardian)
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