Over 277 soldiers held in dehumanizing condition without charges, trial

Dimeji Akinloye 10:11 - 28 June 2015

It was learnt that the soldiers have been held for six months without charges, let alone trial, and denied access to their families.

Over 277 soldiers are reportedly being detained in dehumanizing condition at the Maxwell Khobe cantonment, Rukuba Barracks detention facility of the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State.

Pulse gathered that the soldiers were arrested at different times in Maiduguri, Borno State, for unspecified offences over the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

Responding to the detention report, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Chris Olukolade said it is an administrative matter that only Assistant Director of the Army Public Relations, Colonel Texas Chukwu could comment on.

A family member of one of the detained soldiers, identified as Yakubu lamented that his brother, who is a sergeant, has been detained for the past six months without knowing the offence he committed.

“In fact, since he was detained, no charges have been pressed on him and it is not certain when he will be released. The Army authorities have also denied him access to his family,” he said.