The Nigerian military has released many of the 142 soldiers who had been detained for offenses ranging from 18 months to five years without trial. The soldiers, who were accused of various offenses such as stealing or losing weapons to insurgents, had been in detention for prolonged periods, with some on “open arrests.”
This release follows a recent visit by Major General A.G.L. Haruna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division in Maiduguri, and Major General W. Shaibu, Theatre Commander. Together with Major V.L. Williams, Deputy Director of Legal Services, they visited detention centers holding the soldiers.
The release is part of an effort to address public outcry regarding the prolonged detention. In response, the military set up a court-martial under Major General A.C. Adetoba to expedite trials, although not all detained soldiers have been tried. The court-martial commenced in July 2024 with a panel of senior military officers. However, some soldiers have been recommended for release due to the minor nature of their offenses or because they were not rotated or given time off during extended deployments.
The soldiers’ cases highlight the mental and physical toll the prolonged deployments and lack of leave have taken on them, with some soldiers suffering from war fatigue, depression, and the breakdown of family life due to their absence. Many have not seen their families in over two years, and some report that their marriages have dissolved during their long absences. There is also concern over inadequate welfare and feeding arrangements, with some commanders neglecting the troops’ well-being.
As the fight against Boko Haram continues, the military is under pressure to address these welfare concerns and ensure that soldiers are treated fairly while on duty.
