The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, located in Rukuba near Jos, has dismissed six soldiers and jailed two others for committing various offences. This decision was announced on Thursday by the General Court Martial of the division.
Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the court-martial, detailed that the soldiers were found guilty of offenses including theft, selling of arms, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and cheating civilians. The court-martial was conducted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, the Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other relevant laws.
Brig.-Gen. Bello stated, “These judgments were rendered after a thorough consideration of all the allegations against the accused soldiers. Those jailed and dismissed have committed offenses that are inconsistent with service discipline and Nigerian laws.”
The court-martial process began on February 17, convened by Major General Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding the division.
Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Bello explained, “Court-martials in the Nigerian Army are routine duties aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the dictates of the military justice system. Since then, the court has been working diligently and today delivered judgments on eight cases.”
The six dismissed soldiers, primarily corporals and sergeants, were also demoted to the rank of private soldiers. Brig.-Gen. Bello emphasized that the court followed principles of natural justice, equity, and fairness in all its considerations.
This development underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding justice within its ranks, ensuring that personnel who violate military and national laws face appropriate consequences.