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Tag: military

  • Ekiti, Osun polls: Military retires Gen. Momoh, others

    Ekiti, Osun polls: Military retires Gen. Momoh, others

    12 officers handed over to EFCC 

    Reabsorbed Capt. Koli studying overseas

    Aliyu Momoh, the Brigadier-General indicted alongside others for unprofessional conduct during  the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2014 and the 2015 general elections, has been retired.

    Twelve other officers were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial inducement during the elections.

    They are three serving Majors-General and one retired, three Brigadiers-General,  four colonels and one Lieutenant-Colonel.

    Many officers lost their commands for alleged misconduct.

    Following a strong commendation,  Capt. Sagir Koli, the officer who blew the whistle on the compromise by some officers during Ekiti and Osun polls, has been reabsorbed. He is on a post-graduate course overseas.

    The disciplinary measures were ratified by the Army Council.

    But the names  of those indicted were not disclosed as at press time last night.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The action taken against some officers in the Army was based on their unprofessional conduct while on duty during three elections, namely Ekiti, Osun and the 2015 poll.

    “It is not as if any specific election was isolated. The public ought to be properly informed on the scope of investigation and disciplinary measures put in place.

    “While some officers went beyond their brief, others became associated with management of funds and a few were partisan.

    “The Army Council recommended the retirement of some officers, the loss of commands by another set of officers and the handing over of 12 others to EFCC for investigation.

    “The 12 officers handed over to EFCC were in respect of the three elections. After the investigation of the anti-graft agency, they might be arraigned before a Court Martial.”

    It was gathered that some officers were in a cantonment in Abuja awaiting trial by a Court Martial.

    When contacted, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, last night said: “I confirm that Gen. Momoh along with some other officers have been retired.

    “A board of Inquiry looked into allegations against some officers during the conduct  of the governorship elections in  Ekiti  and  Osun states in 2014 and the 2015 general elections.

    “ The board sat down, called for memoranda,  completed its assignment and submitted a report. Based on the recommendations, the Army Council met and took some decisions.”

    Capt. Koli, who recorded the conversation at a meeting where the plot to rig the Ekiti election was hatched, has been reabsorbed into the army.

    He is said to be on a post-graduate course abroad and thereafter he might proceed on a professional training which can make his career elevation possible in the future.

    Another source said: “The Board of Inquiry strongly commended Capt. Koli and the Army Council took judicious notice of this. He has since been reabsorbed into the Nigerian Army.

    “The initial plan was to make Capt. Koli a Defence Attaché but after counseling, he opted for a post-graduate course and professional training.

    “For security reasons, we cannot disclose his location at the moment.”

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Army Board of Inquiry, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade (the General Officer Commanding 1 Division) on January 11 submitted a report to Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He said 23 officers, over 100 soldiers  and 62 civilians appeared before it as well as 62 civilians.

    He said the board made far-reaching recommendations that would assist the Nigerian Army and the nation in the future.

    He disclosed that two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement, three to lose their commands and one for prosecution for collecting financial gratification.

    Fifteen officers were placed on watch list, nine for further investigation by the EFCC and six officers to face an audit committee.

    The board advised that 62 officers (mostly Majors and below) were to be given letters of displeasure and to appear before their General Officers Commanding for counselling.

     

  • Military to subject video to forensic test

    Military to subject video to forensic test

    The military yesterday said it would subject the Abubakar Shekau’s video to forensic test to determine its authenticity.

    A top military officer, who declined to be named was quoted by PRNigeria as saying: “The ongoing campaign against insurgency and indeed Boko Haram is being intensified most especially in the Sambisa Forest, and its environs in order to further degrade and demystify the sect and bring them to their knees.

    “We are aware of the video but we are subjecting it to thorough forensic investigation. We won’t take any action that can stop the ongoing offensives against the terrorists in all fronts. Every terrorist is free to surrender.

    “While the military is conscious of sustaining the tempo on its war against terrorism, the military intelligence will subject the undated and unverified video to forensic analysis,” the officer said.

    Shekau was last heard from last March, when an audio message attributed to him was released. He pledged Boko Haram’s allegiance to the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), and rebranded the group as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The Boko Haram leader also issued a threat to disrupt the 2015 general elections. But he never did.

  • Military destroys arms got from ex-militants

    Military destroys arms got from ex-militants

    Men of 6 Infantry Battalion, Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday detonated and set ablaze a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered from ex-Niger Delta warlords.

    Forty-two thousand, two hundred and seventy-two rounds of small arms and ammunition; 81MM mortars, 3-inch mortars, 60MM mortars, 40MM grenade and 14,447 butts were detonated and set ablaze.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the Presidential Amnesty Programme, led by Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Brig-Gen Paul Boroh (rtd) and Akwa Ibom State government, led by Secretary to the State Government Etekamba Umoren.

    Maj. Buhari Grema, who conducted the team round, said the arms and ammunition were recovered from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo states.

    Grema said: “These are the small arms and ammunition  recovered by the Presidential Amnesty Programme from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo states. Cumulatively, we have about 48, 272 rounds mixed variation of small arms and ammunition. We shall be burning them here. We shall witness the burning.

    “What we have here is medium calibre ammunition for those we cannot easily set on fire. For ammunition higher that 20MM calibre, we detonate. The ammunition here are higher that 20MM calibre. Here we have 81MM mortars, 3-inch mortars, 60MM mortars, and 40MM grenade.

    “The butt here represents the 14, 447 weapons of various calibre that were destroyed in 82 base ammunition depot. We are able to transport the butt from Enugu to Akwa Ibom for the world to witness this symbolic event.”

    Brig-Gen. Boroh (retd) described the destruction of the arms and ammunition as symbolic.

    He explained that the Federal Government woud achieve a arms-free Nigeria.

    “With this symbolic exercise, we hope arms will be a thing of the past in the region. We want to achieve a arms-free Nigeria.”

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel said peace is needed in the country and not Niger Delta alone.

    Emmanuel, who was represented by Umoren, said: “We pray that the destruction of the arms and ammunition will mark the end of agitation in the region.”

    The governor urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to discontinue the amnesty programme, saying the peace of the Niger Delta region is the peace of the country.

  • ‘Military winning war against terror’

    The military says it is winning the war against terrorism despite challenges.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Maiduguri, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, who addressed reporters in Maiduguri, said: “We are winning the war. We are bringing the war to conclusion, soon.”

    He said Nigerians must support the military to sustain the success recorded. His words: “We want everybody to help us support the peace emerging.

    “Peace is more enduring and gratifying for us in Borno and other parts of the Northeast.”

    Ezugwu hailed Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that partnered the military toward the success of the counter-insurgency operation.

    Said he: “I thank monarchs and NGOs, who are stakeholders in the fight against insurgency.

    “Their information, support and advice have increased the relationship between the military and the authorities in our areas of operations.”

  • Shettima hails military for counter-insurgency operation

    Shettima hails military for counter-insurgency operation

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has hailed the military for its sacrifice in restoring peace to the Northeast.

    The governor, who addressed reporters in Maiduguri, said: “The military has recorded achievements in the last six months. We are consolidating the emerging peace.

    “It’s wrong for anyone to say Boko Haram is in control.

    Yes, you may have pockets of insurgents trying to foment mischief, but eventually, we shall overcome the hiccups.

    “We are living witnesses to what is happening in Borno. You and I know that in the last couple of months Ngala was liberated by the military, so also was Bama, Gwoza, Dikwa, Mafa and other communities hitherto under the terrorists’ control.

    “The military deserves commendation not condemnation.”

    He said it was clear that the Boko Haram insurgents had been decimated by the military.

    Shettima added: “Boko Haram terrorists have been decimated and President Muhammadu Buhari deserves commendation for this.

    “The Northeast people, especially those of Borno, are grateful to President Buhari for his commitment toward restoring sanity.”

    He said the military was making efforts to uproot the terrorists from their hideout in Sambisa forest.

    “The most important thing for us now is to support the Federal Government on the anti-terrorism war,” the governor added.

    He noted that it was difficult to end terrorism within a short time.

  • Military kills 90 insurgents in Borno

    Military kills 90 insurgents in Borno

    The troops of the Operation Lafiaya Dole said they  intercepted three suspected suicide bombers attempting to enter Maiduguri the Borno state capital Friday along Maiduguri/Mafa checkpoint.

    The  Deputy Theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole Major General Lucky Irabor  told newsmen at the operation media centre in Maiduguri the troops at the checkpoint sight two female suicide bombers and a male suicide bomber trying to infiltrate Maiduguri along Maiduguri-Mafa road, where one of the female suicide bomber detonated her own killing herself and one other female bomber, while the male suicide bomber was gunned down by the troops of the Nigerian Army while trying to run into their midst.

    He also informed that  63 Boko Haram terrorists  were killed from Monday 18th January 2016 to  Friday 22nd 2016 at  various places within the theater of operation, adding that many AK47 riffles, ammunition, Anti Aircraft Gun, RPG, GMPG, explosives, vehicles, motorcycles among others were recovered from the operations.

    “Our troops conducted a fighting patrol at Afe, Kudiye, Souma, Dikwa Mijigeta, Mida villages of Borno state. During the operation our troops come in contact with Boko Haram terrorist at  Kudiye and Mijigete where 370 hostages were rescued and brought to IDP camp in Dikwa and 3 rifles and 41 motorcycles were destroyed,” he said.

    Maj. Gen. Irabor also stated that troops have cleared some Boko Haram hideouts in Wala, Tirkopytir and Durubajuwe in Gwoza local government area, where they recovered GMPG, locally made Dane gun and a grinding machine were recovered.

    He maintained that troops also came in contact with Boko Haram terrorist in Huyum in Askira/uba local government area, adding that  “the terrorists sighting troops abandoned their families behind which including  five women and 12 children and are currently undergoing interrogation.

    According to him, the Nigerian Air force provides closed air support and surveillance to the ground troops in all the encounters with the terrorists.

    He commended the efforts of the troops and renewed call for the troops and the public to be more vigilant and security conscious at all times, especially at checkpoints, worship centre, markets, motor parks and schools.

    He also called on the general public to continue to provide useful information to security agencies of any suspicious person within their environment so as to help ride the state and the region of all criminal elements.

  • Military’s, MDAs’ debt to DisCos soars to N45b

    •Utility providers engage Presidency for payment

    The debts owed the Electricity Distribution Companies( DisCos) by the military and ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs),  has risen from the N32 billion to N45 billion as at the end of last year, it was learnt yesterday.

    The Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Oduntan, told The Nation that the distribution companies were going through several challenges, especially in collection of payment for electricity supplied customers, adding that the worst debtor-customers are Federal Government’s MDAs and the military.

    He said previously, the outstanding debt owed by MDAs was N32 billion, but has grown to N45 billion. Owing to the difficulty in collecting this debt, the distribution companies are discussing with the Presidency on method of payment.

    Oduntan said the DisCos have been discussing with the government on method of payment since the time debt was N32 billion because they need that money dearly to purchase equipment such as meters, among others, and also oil the operation to serve the customers satisfactorily.

    He said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has promised to intervene in the case and he is optimistic that government may start to deduct future bills and debt from source. He noted that the military and agencies have budgetary provisions for utility bills payment, and have no justification to owe. In the budget, they actually have allowances for utility bills’ payment.  These military formations are properly metered. It is not that they are on estimated billing or over-billed, and don’t have reasons not to pay but they felt it is their right not to pay for the power they consume forgetting that the current power sector is under the private sector control, he added.

    “We had a meeting with the Federal Government presided over by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and he listened to all the stakeholders including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Market Operator (MO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), generating, and distribution companies. We all tabled our problems and the government assured us of looking at the issues. The Vice President promised us that the MDAs will pay the debts. We will continue to discuss with the government until the debt is paid,” Oduntan said.

    The ANED chief stressed the importance of the government agencies to pay the huge debt and the need for all electricity consumers to be committed to payment of bills promptly.

    He said due to supply value chain inefficiencies, about 50 per cent of power bought by the DisCos is not paid for. These include power theft, inadequate collection infrastructure, and insufficient/non-cost reflective tariff.

    The challenges, according to Oduntan, have put the distribution companies under serious financial pressure because DisCos are collection agents for the entire power industry. Therefore, shortfall in revenue collection by the DisCos affects the entire value chain, he added.

    He said for the country to have the desired level of electricity supply, all categories of customers should endeavour to pay their electricity bills appropriately and the government should encourage massive investment in the sector, he said.

  • NBA: military must respect human rights

    NBA: military must respect human rights

    There have been allegations of rights abuses by the army in the war against terrorism. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has, therefore, held a workshop on human rights for the military, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA

    There have been allegations, mainly from bodies like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, including the United States’ Department of State that military and security forces in Nigeria engaged in counter terrorism have violated huiman rights guaranteed under national and international laws.

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), therefore, resolved to organise a workshop for the military to create awareness on the need to respect human rights during conflicts.

    The workshop titled: Human  rights in times of conflict, was held at 7 Division Maimalari Barracks, Baga Road, Maiduguri. It attracted legal practitioners of repute and senior military officers, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami(SAN); Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah; state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kahim Shehu Lawani; former Attorney General, Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda, Life Benchers including Ibrahim Mark, Joe Gadzama(SAN), A.B. Mahmud(SAN), Dele Oye, Gen. I.O. Alli, Gen. Y.M.A. Abubakar and Gen. A.B. Abubakar, among others.

    NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) described the issue of human rights abuse as very sensitive and one that should be adequately handled.

    He emphasised the need for soldiers to ensure that they do not breach any law or international statutues to which Nigeria is a signatory.

    He stressed that the NBA would continue to stand firm in advocating for and observance of the rule of law in the country.

    Alegeh reiterated the association’s commitment to collaborate with governmentto ensure that issues of human rights abuse are tackled on all fronts and offenders are prosecuted accordingly.

    Chairman, Planning committee of the workshop, Emeka Obegolu wondered whether the fight against terrorism is being conducted within the ambit of the law

    “By law, we mean the Constitution and the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011, and of course International obligations of Nigeria with particular reference to the United Nations General Assembly affirmation that all states must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism complies with their obligation under international law, in particular International human rights, refugee and humanitarian law,” he said.

    The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai said that the military has always conducted its counter insurgency operation against Boko Haram within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) which encompasses human rights.

    He assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to ensure observance of human rights, uphold and promote the rule of lawý in particular.

    General Buratai said the Nigerian Army is no longer a haven for violators of  human rights, stressing that since he assumed office, investigations have always been conducted on any allegation or petition against any member of the Army.

    He pointed out that the military will ensure that human rights of civilians and those involved in the hostilities in the on-going counter insurgency operation against Boko Haram are respected.

    He disclosed that the International Community of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) have been on hand to train Nigerian Army contingents that are to be inducted into peace keeping operations while its officers are sent to courses at home and abroad yearly in order to update them on the issue of human rights.

    Former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised that “by training all Armed Forces, including Nigerian armed force are obliged to comply with the basic tenets of protection of human and humanitarian rights in all conflict situations. If they commit abuse of human rights whilst engaging insurgents, appropriate disciplinary options are open to the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian State has a duty to bring such member(s) of the military to book”.

    Prince Kayode said even if Boko Haram has no respect for human rights, the Nigerian state and its agents must comply with the principles of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

    ”It is the duty of the Nigerian State and all of us to ensure that the human rights of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of this conflict, and who are now refugees or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are protected,” he said.

    Kayode, therefore, emphasised the need for  intelligence, dedicated and specialised training and moderation,  to help avoid mass casualties that may be termed genocide or war crimes or human rights violations.  To avoid criminal sanctions at the international level, he stressed that it is better and indeed mandatory for the military to respect human rights.

    The former Attorney-General of the Federation/Ministry for Justice also emphasised the need to review the operations of the civilian JTF in the fight against Boko Haram so that they do not become another monster on the country in the future.

    “We all agree that unless properly thought out vigilantes may exacerbate to an insurgency or other anti state activities. The need for vigilantes to observe human rights is also very important and there could be criminal and civil consequences for actions which violate these rights.

    He said the government should also ensure that state-supported groups like the CJTF are not used for political purposes.

    Borno State Governor, Kashim Shetima, who was represented by the Attorney General, Kashim Lawani, disclosed that his administration has concluded plans to set up a law reform commission next year with a view to addressing modern trends in the protection of human rights.

    Shetima saiýd his government has already established the department of citizens right in the Ministry of Justice to strengthen the office of the Attorney General to handle cases of abuses of human rights.

    He said in addition the the state alongside other I8 states in the northern Nigeria ýare actively engaged in reviewing the Penal Code and explore all legitimate means to strengthen their legal system with the primary aim of protecting the rights of the citizens among others.

  • $2.1b arms contracts: EFCC detains top military officer

    $2.1b arms contracts: EFCC detains top military officer

    Metuh ‘being investigated over N400m’

    Anenih, others to be quizzed

    A top military officer has been detained in connection with the  $2.1billion arms deals.

    The officer was a technical aide to a former National Security Adviser(NSA), the late Gen. Owoye Azazi and his successor, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.).

    The detention of the officer is said to have created anxiety among military chiefs who were involved in arms procurement.

    A high-ranking military chief  was said to be in charge of procurement in one of the services.

    A top official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed last night that  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman  Olisa Metuh is being investigated for allegedly collecting N400 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He is likely to be invited for interrogation.

    It was also learnt last night that the EFCC had invited a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, over the investigation.

    The officer is believed to have been detained in the last two weeks.

    The military top shot was said to be in charge of the arms bought during the tenure of the two former NSAs.

    A source said: “The military officer was picked up in connection with the purchase of the arms because he was in charge of inventory and how each unit of the Armed Forces got its equipment.

    “The EFCC has invited the officer to verify the arms purchase and the delivery status.

    “This same officer related with many former and serving chiefs. There is no way he can be questioned without involving some of these officers in the military hierarchy.

    “The arms scandal is messy and many ranking officers were involved. This is causing anxiety in the military because if the detained officer opens up, the probe will lead to more revelations.”

    Some former Service Chiefs and military officers have been trying to find out what transpired between their detained colleague and the EFCC, The Nation learnt.

    “These anxious military officers and associates have had limited contact with the top chief in detention facility,” the source said, adding:

    “The latest dimension of the investigation shows that heads may roll in the military over these arms deals.”

    It was learnt that the detention of the military officer by the EFCC has raised an inter-service issue.

    Some officers are said to be “uncomfortable” that the detained officer ought to be questioned by an Armed Forces panel and not EFCC because he did  a technical job for the NSA.

    But, said the source , they have been made to realise that the EFCC is only handling fraud-related matters on the arms deals and not a military probe.

    “The investigation is at the behest of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. This mandate empowers the EFCC to question any public or military officer,” he said, pleading not to be named because he is not permitted to speak on the matter.

    Responding to a question,  another source said Dasuki inherited the officer from his predecessor, the late Gen. Owoye Azazi.

    “Following their good performance and conduct in office, Dasuki retained all the senior military assistants /aides who served Azazi.

    “Dasuki felt since they had the knowledge of the operation of the ONSA, it was better to allow continuity for a smooth take off in office.

    “The experience of the officers accounted for the coordination of the war against Boko Haram by Dasuki as NSA.

    “But while in office, the officers ran purely military errands and managed professional duties.”

    Also yesterday, there were indications that the agency may interact with a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Chief Tony Anenih.

    A source said: “I think we are inviting Anenih and a few bigwigs implicated in the arms deals by some of the accused persons.

    “Some of them will need to explain how they came about the cash given to them and how to effect refund.”

    It could not be immediately ascertained  whether or not Anenih had received a letter of invitation from the EFCC .

    A former Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, named some PDP stalwarts as the beneficiaries of the cash from ONSA.

    In a Statement of Witness/ Caution, which he wrote on oath, Yuguda  admitted to the EFCC that he gave N600million cash to six chairmen of the Contact and Mobilisation Committees of the PDP for the 2015 general election.

    He listed the beneficiaries as Bode George( South-West); Amb. Yerima Abdullahi (North-East); Peter Odili (South-South); Attahiru Bafarawa (North-West); Jim Nwobodo (South -East) and North-Central (Ahmadu  Ali).

    George, Nwobodo and Odili have denied collecting cash from Yuguda.

    George admitted that $30,000 was given to the South-West Contact and Mobilisation Committee.

    Yuguda also said he instructed Jabbama Limited to transfer N300million to BAM Properties whose account was given to him by a former National Chairman of PDP, Bello Haliru.

    Bafarawa admitted that he collected N100million from Yuguda through Sagir Attahiru.

  • Military injustice

    It is not only a question of justice, but also a question of honour. Concerning the controversial 2015 terror-war mutineers now sentenced to 10 years in prison after a death-sentence review, Nigeria’s military authorities demonstrated a nauseatingly narrow appreciation of the connection between justice and honour.  Injustice, no matter how well dressed, is dishonourable. Not only was the sentence reduction ironically unjust, it amounted to a badge of dishonour for the military hierarchy.

    Curiously enough, Lagos activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) made an effort to clarify the information released by Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman on December 19 about the number of soldiers whose mutiny-related death sentences were commuted to imprisonment.  Falana said: “Twelve soldiers were convicted in September 2014 and sentenced to death by a court-martial for demanding for weapons when the General Officer Commanding, the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, visited a military camp in the war zone while 58 others were convicted and sentenced to death in December by another court-martial for demanding for weapons to fight the insurgents. Therefore, the number of soldiers who were sentenced to death by the two court-martials is 70 and not 66.”

    Beyond the confusing detail relating to the number of soldiers involved, more bewildering is the decision by the military authorities to impose a 10-year jail term on the previously condemned men despite exonerating evidence.

    It is as if the military leadership is blinded by denial. The global village now knows for sure that public funds meant for fighting and winning the terror war, running into billions, were rerouted by powerful individuals in the discredited Goodluck Jonathan presidency. The corruption-spiced narrative is still unfolding, with former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki right in the middle of the mess.

    Now, this is what President Muhammadu Buhari said in a recent transcribed interview with the Hausa Service of BBC: “I want people to understand that after I settled down and got a good grasp of what the country is going through, we removed all the service chiefs and appointed new ones. We also undertook an investigation and found out how monies meant for arms procurement were diverted and shared by officials in the last administration.”

    Buhari continued: “They sent the boys to the war front without arms and ammunition, leading some of them to mutiny after which they were arrested and detained. We have been able to raise money and fund the war. Go and ask the people of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa; how many of their local governments were under the control of insurgents? And how many are currently still under the insurgents?”

    A report said: “The mutiny was sparked by the death in a Boko Haram ambush of dozens of fellow soldiers when they were ordered against their will to drive down a dangerous road at night. Hundreds of Nigerian soldiers have deserted, complaining that they are not properly equipped to fight Boko Haram. The Associated Press said several soldiers told its correspondents that they were sent into battle with just 30 bullets and no food rations.”

    The now glaring and undeniable evidence of unprofessionalism by those who were supposed to lead the war on terror, which was a complicating factor, shows that the initial imposition of a death sentence on the mutineers was a case of double standard, inexplicable and inexcusable even in the context of military regimentation. If a death sentence was ridiculous in the circumstances, it is even more absurd that this was commuted to a jail term.

    Those who deserve to be punished are the crooks that used the anti-terror war against Boko Haram as a cover, and profited from billions meant for anti-terror arms.  The arms scam and the alleged scammers making the news at this time are at the heart of the Jonathan administration’s failure to defeat the Islamist terrorists who have been on the rampage in the country’s northeast since 2009.

    Apart from the huge number of mortalities linked with the insurgency, and the huge figures of internally displaced persons, the yet-to-be-resolved kidnap of 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, over a year ago, remains a huge open wound on the country’s conscience.

    It was an open secret in the Jonathan presidential era that people in power ironically fuelled the Boko Haram insurgency by fraudulent acts. The anti-terror war became a pro-terror effort because of the weakening of state-capacity by government officials expected to win the war. Under the Jonathan administration, the image of the Nigerian military appeared irredeemable as it battled unimpressively and unconvincingly against terrorism.

    Now the world knows the terror war was kept going and had to be kept going, to keep the fraudulent actors going.  So, the mutinous soldiers have been vindicated. Their ultimate vindication would come when they are not made to pay for the sins of others. Or is military justice inflexibly and unfairly different?

    There is no question that the military’s already stained image in this matter would be further tainted if the authorities reject commonsensical flexibility for professional rigidity. The jailed mutineers deserve a further case review. Nothing short of freedom for them will do.