BEVERLY HILLS, February 08, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army has reacted to the renewed Boko Haram attacks on villages in the North-East by establishing a Special Court Martial in the region, to try officers and soldiers found wanting in the course of the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Disclosing this in a statement issued on Sunday, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman revealed that the court martial will try cases of indiscipline and other related offences.
His words: “The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls 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.”
Usman also described as “unfortunate and figment of imaginations” reports that Operation Lafiya Dole has been taken over by the Defence Headquarters, DHQ.
According to him, “In recent days there were speculations in the media especially the online media, to the effect that Operation Lafiya Dole has been taken over by the Defence Headquarters and that soldiers are not happy about it.
“This is quite unfortunate and figment of imaginations of the respective media which was aimed at distracting the military, create rancour and disaffection among the components fighting Boko Haram terrorists.
“Consequently, it is important to reiterate that since inception of the operation there has always been a hierarchy of command and control as indeed in all military operations.
“The public and indeed Nigerians are hereby requested to disregard rumours and speculations on the alleged takeover of the command and control of Operation Lafiya Dole and continue to support the fight against terrorism and insurgency.”
