Nigerian court tries 20 soldiers over Boko Haram crimes

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria has inaugurated a seven-man court martial to try 20 soldiers, including four officers, for various offenses believed to have been committed in their fight against Boko Haram militants in the northeast region.

“The nature of the offenses include murder, loss of arms, defilement, assault occasioning to bodily harm and desertion, amongst others,” army spokesman Sani Usman said in a statement late Wednesday.

He said the accused people include two majors and two captains; one staff sergeant, two sergeants, two corporals, three lance corporals, seven privates soldiers and a naval sea man.

Although the army did not give details on how these offenses were committed, it appears to be the official response to various allegations of rights abuses against the troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the region.

Amnesty International, among others, had alleged widespread rights violations -- such as rape and forced disappearance - claims army authorities say were often exaggerated.

Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu, acting general officer commanding of the 7 division of the Nigeria, said at the inauguration of the panel that the court martial was a way of maintaining the “much-needed discipline within the military”.

“The Nigerian Army through this action want to assure the nation and international community that we shall not condone cases of violation of laws of armed conflict in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities,” he added.