At least four officers and 16 soldiers serving in Borno state under the
counter insurgency operation code named Operation Lafia Dole are
currently being tried for various offenses ranging from murder ,selling
of ammunition to unauthorized persons , human right abuses amongst others.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by acting General Officer Commanding ,
Brig. Gen. VO Ezugwu during the inauguration of a standing General Court
Martial (GCM) convened to try erring officers and soldiers in Maiduguri ,
the Borno state capital .
Brig. Ezugwu state that the general court martial was convened to address
alleged infractions
by officers and soldiers currently battling to combat Boko haram
terrorists in the troubled north eastern state .
“As you are all aware, discipline is the bedrock of the military
profession and to have a disciplined body of officers and men, there must
be justice because it is when there is justice that discipline can be
achieved. Justice implies that infractions of the law must be promptly
reported, investigated and the accused persons prosecuted within a
reasonable time through the laid down rules, regulations and procedures.
.
“This GCM is therefore convened to try a total of 4 officers and 16 other
ranks of the Nigerian Army who have committed various offenses within the
Theatre of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. It must be stated at this juncture that
one of the aims of a Court Martial is to achieve timely and quick
dispensation of justice within the framework provided in relevant statute
books. Therefore, it is important that both the Prosecution and the
Accused Persons or their counsels are mindful of this fact.” Ezugwu said
The GOC enjoined the the President and Members of the GCM, I enjoin you
to dispense their assignment in accordance with the appropriate extant
laws and ensure that their opinions and decision on all the cases brought
before them are not in any way beclouded with bias, external pressure or
extraneous factors.
“ The outcome of this GCM must therefore be based on careful appreciation
of the whole facts of each case and evidence placed before you in the
course of trial of these accused persons.” He said .
He however revealed that majority of the soldiers with the theater of
operation Lafia Dole have shown good character in the discharge of their
duties and have been rewarded accordingly
“ Over 15,000 officers and solders who distinguished themselves in their
duties from operation Lafia Dole were decorated with medals at this year
army honours and award ceremony ; this is an indication that the army
rewards good deeds .”