Some erring Nigerian soldiers found guilty of a breach of the codes of conduct of the security outfit have bagged lengthy jail terms.
COAS, Lt Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai
The General Court Martial (GCM) sitting in Maiduguri at the Media Centre, 7 Division Garrison, on Wednesday, sentenced three Nigerian soldiers to 23 years and 10 years imprisonment respectively for various offences.
The soldiers, each sentenced for 23 years imprisonment are trooper Fortuned Maculey and trooper Saga Eric Nwokorie.
They soldiers were found guilty on five count charges of unlawfully possession of five Ak 47 magazine, quantity of 2,136 round of ammunition, 50 round of NATO ammunition, 2 round of browny machine guns and conspiracy.
The other, Corporal Garba Saidu, found guilty on two count charge of stealing two boxes of 1,400 round of 7.62mm special ammunition each totalling 2,800, was given a sentence of 10 years imprisonment for the drastic act.
On delivering judgement, president of the court, Lt. col. Adamu Hassan Jahum said that,the accused soldiers have been found guilty of charges against them and therefore sentenced, in order to ensure maintenance of discipline in the ongoing operation and in the Nigerian Army in general.This is such a drastic act by soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
This is not good for the media,as civilians are relying on us for defense and protection. He further stated,”We are men’t to protect the linage of this great nation and not to drag it to the mud”.
We will make sure proper justice is carried out according to the law.