070403-N-6901L-011 Maradi, Niger (April 3, 2007) – Nigerian soldiers from the 322nd Parachute Regiment line up in formation before participating in target practice facilitated by U.S. Army soldiers during Operation Flintlock 2007. The primary focus of Operation Flintlock is to provide an interactive exchange of military, linguistic and intercultural skills for both nations. U.S. Special Operations Forces depend on the ability to interface with foreign military forces in which this training is meant to enhance. The training will also help Niger to respond to threats within and across their borders to maintain security and stability. This event is part of an ongoing and long standing military-to-military relationship that the U.S. enjoys with Niger, and part of the U.S. State Department’s Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson. (RELEASED)Nigeria said on Wednesday it had put 20 soldiers on trial for offences committed during fight against Boko Haram in the country’s north east.
Those being tried at a military tribunal in Maiduguri include four senior officers and 16 regular soldiers, said the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.
General Ezugwu inaugurated the General Court at the Theatre Command Media Centre Maiduguri.
“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 offrs and 16 other ranks of the Nigerian Army who have committed various offences 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,” he said.