In a groundbreaking development, Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that the Nigerian military has released several soldiers detained for years without trial in Maiduguri, Borno State. The soldiers, numbering over 142, had been held on allegations of sundry offenses, including the loss or theft of arms and ammunition. This comes after years of public outcry and a push for accountability within the ranks of the armed forces.
Some of these soldiers had languished in detention for periods ranging from 18 months to an astonishing five years. Earlier placed under “open arrests,” the recent mass release was spurred by a visit from high-ranking officials, including Major General A.G.L. Haruna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, and Major General W. Shaibu, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, along with Major V.L. Williams, Deputy Director of Legal Services (DDLS).
The military had previously established a court-martial, chaired by Major General A.C. Adetoba, to expedite cases of the detained soldiers. The tribunal, composed of high-ranking officials, commenced trials on July 8, 2024, at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri. Despite this effort, several soldiers remained in detention without facing a formal trial until this recent intervention.
Many of the detained soldiers were frontline fighters in the prolonged battle against Boko Haram insurgents, a conflict that has ravaged Nigeria since 2009. Allegations leveled against them included losing weapons to insurgents and other offenses deemed minor by military legal advisors. However, these accusations mask a deeper issue: the systematic neglect of soldiers’ welfare and mental health.
Sources revealed that some of these soldiers had been deployed to the frontlines as far back as 2017 and had not been rotated or granted leave (PASS) to visit their families in over three years. The resulting isolation and unrelenting exposure to combat have left many soldiers grappling with war fatigue, depression, and severe mental health challenges.
One senior military officer, speaking anonymously, described the dire conditions faced by these soldiers:
> “Our men are weary. Many are suffering from war fatigue, mental health issues, and even depression. This has taken a toll on their well-being and family life. Some commanders are more focused on promotions than addressing the welfare of the troops under their command.”
The impact of this neglect extends beyond the battlefield. Families of detained soldiers have expressed heartbreak over the prolonged separation. A relative of one soldier lamented:
> “Our brothers and husbands have been serving in the North East for years without a single visit home. Some haven’t seen their families in over three years. This has caused emotional trauma, and some of their wives have left them for other men, including colleagues in the barracks.”
The soldiers’ plight underscores the challenges of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations. Troops in areas like Bama, Borno State, continue to face overwhelming odds. A soldier detailed the harrowing conditions:
> “We are often outnumbered and outgunned. Sometimes, insurgents attack with RPGs and AGL bombs, while we only have LMGs. If you abandon your weapon while escaping, you risk prolonged detention and court-martial.”
While the recent release is a significant step forward, it raises questions about systemic issues in the Nigerian military. The protracted detentions without trial highlight a troubling disregard for the rights and welfare of soldiers who have risked their lives to defend the nation.
Efforts to reach the Army’s spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment were unsuccessful. However, the developments signal a growing awareness of the need for reform within the military justice system.
As Nigeria continues its battle against insurgency, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the urgent need for policies that prioritize their welfare and uphold their rights.
PIONEER NEWS 