Insurgency: Army inaugurates 2 courts to try ‘coward’ soldiers

In order to enforce discipline within its base, the Theatre
Command of the Operation Lafiya Dole has inaugurated two special
Court Martial to try six officers and 14 others, who were found
wanting in discharging their duties.

Inaugurating the courts at the Maimakari Cantonment yesterday,
the Commander of the operation, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi,
said: “It’s worrisome to observe the increasing cases of
negligence, lackadaisical and cowardly activities of many of our
personnel during Boko Haram terrorists’ offensive actions across
the theatre today.

“These unprofessional and disgraceful habits have led to the
death of many of our gallant colleagues and these attitudes must
not be allowed to continue, if we must retain our national prude.
“The reason for the two courts martial was to fast track the trial
of the accused, as justice delayed is justice denied.

“Breaches of military discipline must be dealt with speedily and
frequently punished more severely than would be the case if a
civilian is engaged in such a conduct. “Be that as it may, the
military has its code of service discipline to allow it meet its
peculiar disciplinary needs, therefore, recourse to the ordinary
criminal court would as a general rule, but inadequate to serve the
disciplin-ary needs of the military.

“As we all know, the court martial trial is a regimental and
judicial exercise that may review, reduce or remove the right and
privileges of any convicted service personnel. It is unique to the
military and a tributary of criminal trial that flows in the sea of
Nigerian criminal justice system.”

He, therefore, stressed that conduct of military trials under
Armed Forces is to allow the Armed Forces to deal with matters that
affect directly the discipline, efficiency, morale of the military.
“To maintain the Armed Forces in a state of readiness, the military
must be in a position to enforce internal discipline effectively
and efficiently,” Adeniyi said.