The Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that a total of 509 officers and soldiers were currently facing separate courts martial for offences relating to conspiracy, disobedience to lawful orders, neglect and mutiny.
It noted that none of the officers or soldiers have in any way received dehumanising treatment or denied access to medical facilities.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman who made the disclosure in Abuja, noted that 473 officers and soldiers were standing trial at the General Court Martial sitting at the Army Headquarters Garrison Command in Abuja, while 106 officers and soldiers were facing another General Court Martial at 81 Division in Lagos.
Emphasising that setting up of separate court martial was to ensure quick dispensation of justice, discipline and professionalism, Usman said the rights of every accused soldier or officer to fair hearing would be upheld.
In death row
So far, the various court martial set up by the Army High Command to try officers and soldiers, who flouted military laws and went against the order of battle, have sentenced 66 officers and soldiers to death.
Asked how long the officers will be kept in detention and when the Army Council (comprising the President, Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Permanent Secretary, Defence Ministry) will act on the death sentences passed on them, the Army spokesman said he was not in a position to answer as he was not a member of the council.
Coalition
On efforts at increasing the capacity of the Army towards containing insurgency and terrorism, Colonel Usman said: “It is heart warming to note that within the last month, 481 personnel of the special forces, comprising personnel from Army, Navy, Air Force and Police have completed their training and have been inducted into the theatre of operations within the seven division area of responsibilities.
“Recent achievements recorded in the North-East can be attributable to the exploits of this elite force.
“Also, one additional battalion (151 battalion) has also completed its training and inducted into the theatre, while two battalion, 152 and 153 battalions are currently undergoing training and will be inducted on completion.
“Army head-quarters task force is currently in its last phase of training, while Nigeria Army Armoured School, Bauchi, has intensified training of tank corps personnel.
“Moreover, personnel training in improvised explosive devices in the United States and United Kingdom are ongoing.”
On welfare
Concerning welfare, Usman said: “The Nigerian Army administrative policies and procedures have recently been reviewed to be in line with current and future realities.
“The last review of the document was in 2005. To ease the problems associated with retiring Nigerian Army officers, a one-stop documentation procedure was devised.
“An office of Deputy Director, Retirement and Documentation was established at army head-quarters under the Department of Administration with a 90-day timeline of documenting and processing retiring officers’ benefits.”
