Three Nigerian Army officers and two soldiers have been sanctioned by the General Court Martial (GCM) of the Nigerian Army over misconduct.
The officers according to a statement signed on Thursday by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu were sanctioned over alleged “cowardice, negligence, abduction and indiscipline.”
President of the Court Martial sitting in Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Borno State, Brigadier General Olusegun Adesina, said the officers were sanctioned after they were found guilty of the various offences.
READ ALSO: Fighting Corruption Is A Must, Buhari Tells Mbeki
“One of the accused, Captain Alhamdu Kwasau was found guilty of offences of cowardly behaviour and negligence while carrying out his military duty. He was reduced to the rank of a Lieutenant with two years lost of seniority on the rank.
“Captain Jimen Babangida and Lieutenant Sanusi Bello were also found guilty of conduct prejudicial to service discipline. Captain Babangida bagged 9 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank while Lieutenant Bello earned 6 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank of Lieutenant.
“In the offence of disobedience to the standing order, Captain Babangida is to suffer additional 9 months forfeiture of seniority on the rank of a Captain.
“Also in a 3- count charge of civil offences bordering on abduction, attempt to commit the offence of abduction and extortion against one Sergeant Aliyu Hassan and Lance Corporal Bello Nasiru, the two soldiers were awarded five years imprisonment on the 1st and 3rd offences which are to run concurrently.
“They were also demoted to the ranks of Corporal and Private respectively,” he said.
Adesina added that all the verdicts passed by the Court are subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority.
He added that the court-martial is to keep troops in check and ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct guiding counterinsurgency operations in the North East while protecting human rights.
