Counter-insurgency: Three Nigerian Army officers and two soldiers were on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 sanctioned, by the General Court Martial (GCM) sitting in Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri Borno State, set up to try erring personnel on various offences against them.
In a statement released by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said the President of the Court Martial Brigadier General Olusegun Adesina stated that the offences were bordered on cowardice, negligence, abduction and discipline.
According to the statement, one of the accused, Captain Alhamdu Kwasau was found guilty of offences of cowardly behaviour and negligence while carrying out his military duty. He was reduced to the rank of a Lieutenant with two years lost of seniority on the rank.
Similarly, Captain Jimen Babangida and Lieutenant Sanusi Bello were also found guilty of conduct prejudice to service discipline. Captain Babangida bagged 9 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank while Lieutenant Bello earned 6 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank of Lieutenant.
In the offence of disobedience to standing order, Captain Babangida is to suffer additional 9 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank of a Captain.
Also in a 3- count charge of civil offences bordering on abduction, attempt to commit offence of abduction and extortion against one Sergeant Aliyu Hassan and Lance Corporal Bello Nasiru, the two soldiers were awarded five years imprisonment on the 1st and 3rd offences which are to run concurrently. They were also demoted to the ranks of Corporal and Private respectively.
He further stated that, all the verdicts passed by the Court are subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority, adding that the court martial is to keep troops in check and ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct guiding counter-insurgency operations in the North East while protecting human rights.
The proceedings of the General Court Martial was adjudged fair by both the defence and prosecuting counsel while it was monitored by members of the press.