Boko Haram: Nigerian army to court-martial 100 more soldiers

 

A week after 54 soldiers were sentenced to death for refusing to fight Boko Haram, 100 more soldiers are to be court-martialled by the Nigerian military for a number of offences relating to the on-going fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

According to reports, 118 soldiers have been transported from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to face charges in Abuja, a week after 54 soldiers were sentenced to death for refusing to fight Boko Haram.


Sources say the soldiers awaiting trial are not accused of mutiny, although Army spokesperson, Olajide Laleye, claimed to be unaware of the development. It is believed that the soldiers are accused of minor charges including loss or misplacement of rifles during operations against Boko Haram.

The allegations follow repeated reports of troops fleeing Boko Haram fighters and abandoning their weapons for the militants in Borno and Adamawa States.
Boko Haram militants have flaunted arms they claimed were seized from government forces in several videos.

Meanwhile, the 54 soldiers convicted of mutiny, have reportedly been moved to Lagos to await appeal, pardon or execution.