The Theatre Command Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai has inaugurated two separate court martials for the trial of 158 accused military personnel serving under the Theater.
Twenty eight officers and one hundred and thirty soldiers are to be arraigned before special court martial and General court martial 1 for allegedly committing various offences.
Inaugurating the two courts at Maimalari Cantonment, Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai Major General Christopher Musa maintained that the Armed forces has internal mechanisms to enforce discipline for the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
According to him, the military is guided by two set of laws, the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and Armed Forces Act to speedily dispose cases and award punishment in the event of conviction in accordance with the principles of fair hearing.
Major General Musa expressed dismay that some officers in the theatre are accused of committing offences punishable under the law despite the sacrifice to serve in a theatre of war.
“We as Commanders is not joyful for us to see our personnel, junior officers being prosecuted, but because we have a duty, we are duty bound to do that. Is not easy for anybody that is in the theatre has sacrificed so much to be here, so its important for the courts to do the needful, follow the rules, follow the laws… General Musa stressed “.
The Theatre Commander also announced that General Court Martial 2 will also be inaugurated in Damaturu, headquarters of sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai for trial of personnel under the secure.
He charged the courts to discharge their duties diligently, without fear, favour or affection.
Major General Bainze Mohammed will serve as the President of General court martial 1 while Brigedeir General Dominic Udofa will preside the special court martial.
Dauda Iliya