The Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated a special Court Marshal to prosecute erring personnel engaged in the counter-insurgency operation in the northeast.
Speaking during the inauguration in Maiduguri, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, said that the court will enable the Armed Forces to deal with matters pertaining to discipline, efficiency and morale of the military.
“The safety and well-being of Nigerians depend considerably on the willingness and readiness of a force of men and women to defend against threats to national security.
“To maintain the Armed Forces in a state of readiness, the military must be in a position to enforce internal discipline effectively and efficiently.
“Breaches of military discipline must be dealt with speedily and frequently punish more severely than would be the case if a civilian is engaged in such conduct.
“The military has it’s own Code of Service Discipline; to allow it to meet its particular disciplinary needs.
Emphasis shall be laid on portraying a fine blend of the traditional military regimentation with due adherence to fair hearing requirements of the 1999 constitution,” he said.
Adeniyi lamented indiscriminate cases of negligence and cowardice among soldiers in the ongoing campaign against insurgency in the northeast.
“It is worrisome to observe the increasing cases of negligence, lackadaisical and cowardly attitudes of many of our personnel during Boko Haram terrorist offensive actions across the theatre today.
“These unprofessional and disgraceful habits have led to the death of many of our gallant colleagues, and it must not be allowed to continue if we must retain our national pride.
“We must not forget in a hurry where we are coming from, and we must change the situation.
I urged you all to discharge your duties diligently without fear, favour or affection,” he added.
Adeniyi reiterated the commitments of the army to end the insurgency, protect lives and property in the country.
Meanwhile, Capt. YM Bima, the Judge Advocate, disclosed that 20 military personnel were standing trial before the court over the various offence.
Bima explained that they included six officers and 14 other personnel.
