20th May, 2015
The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that 579 of its officers and men had been court martialed for sundry offences.
Updating newsmen on the situation in the North East, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said they were standing trial in two court martials in Abuja and Lagos.
Usman said the two court-martials were sitting at the Army Headquarters Garrison and 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.
The director explained that 473 of the soldiers were arraigned before the court martial at the Army Headquarters Garrison while 106 soldiers were standing trial in Lagos.
“There are currently two separate court-martials going on at the Army Headquarters Garrison and 81 Division, Nigerian Army with a view to ensuring quick dispensation of justice, discipline and professionalism.
“The essence of this trial is to emphasise on discipline, professionalism and order.
“Anybody who runs foul of the law and the authorities determine that the gravity of the offence cannot be tried summarily will go for the court martial,” he said.
The soldiers are facing trial for alleged offences ranging from insubordination to disobedience to lawful orders, acts of cowardice, refusal to carry out military duties, and indiscipline, among others.
He also said the Armed Forces Special Forces, which comprised personnel of the army, navy, air force and the police, had completed their training and been inducted into the theatre of operations in the 7 Division area of responsibility.
“Similarly, one additional battalion, 151 Battalion, has also completed its training and been inducted into the theatre, while two battalions, 152 and 153 Battalions are now undergoing training and would be inducted on completion.
“Additionally, the Army Headquarters Task Force Group is now in the last phase of their training while Nigerian Army Armoured School, Bauchi, has intensified training of tank crew personnel.
According to him, training on improvised explosive devices in the United Kingdom and the U.S. is ongoing.
He also announced that 2,388 members of the 72 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State, would pass out on Friday.