Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

NigerianEyeNewsPaperNigerianEyeNewsPaper

Featured

Nigerian Military Frees Soldiers Detained for Years Without Trial in Maiduguri

 

The Nigerian military has released several soldiers who were detained in Maiduguri, Borno State, for extended periods without trial. Some of these soldiers had been held for up to five years on allegations of various offences, including the loss or theft of arms and ammunition.

The release follows an intervention by Major General A.G.L Haruna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, and Theatre Commander Major General W. Shaibu, alongside the Deputy Director of Legal Services, Major V.L. Williams. They recently visited the detention facilities, leading to the release of many of the 142 soldiers who had been detained.

The soldiers, who were part of Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram, had been stationed on the front lines for over six years in some cases. Many had not received leave or rotation during this time, resulting in physical and mental strain. Reports indicate that some soldiers were detained after losing equipment during attacks by insurgents, while others faced minor charges that military lawyers deemed insufficient for prolonged detention.

A court-martial panel, led by Major General A.C. Adetoba and comprising senior officers, was convened in 2024 to address these cases. While the panel expedited some trials, many soldiers remained detained without resolution.

Sources within the military disclosed that the prolonged detentions and lack of rotation had led to significant mental health challenges among the soldiers, including depression and war fatigue. Soldiers spoke of inadequate welfare provisions, lack of family contact, and poor support from some commanders.

One soldier revealed, “I haven’t seen my wife or children in nearly three years. Some soldiers have lost their families because of this prolonged absence.”

Relatives of the detained soldiers also voiced their concerns. A family member lamented, “These men have sacrificed so much for this country, yet they have been treated unfairly. Many haven’t seen their families in years.”

The Nigerian military has been battling Boko Haram insurgents since 2009, with the conflict taking a toll on personnel and resources. Soldiers on the front lines face overwhelming challenges, including attacks from insurgents equipped with superior weapons.

“Sometimes, we are outnumbered and outgunned. If you lose your weapon during an attack, you’re detained for years without trial,” said a soldier who was recently released.

Despite the release of these soldiers, questions remain about the military’s handling of welfare, discipline, and legal processes. Attempts to reach the Army’s spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment were unsuccessful.

The release is seen as a positive step, but military and human rights observers emphasize the need for systemic reforms to address the welfare and legal rights of Nigeria’s armed forces.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Featured

  Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga has been kidnapped by the notorious bandit leader Babaro and is reportedly being held hostage in Bununu Forest, located...

Education

Graduates from various polytechnics in Nigeria have expressed frustration over their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme due to part-time National...

Featured

A senior executive at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, has accused the Nigerian government of attempting to use the cryptocurrency exchange to target opposition members by...

Bandits

  Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has called for the...

Copyright © 2023 NigerianEyeNewsPaper.Com. Design by Weforce Digital Technologies