Army Place Soldiers Facing Trial On Half Salary

97 soldiers accused of mutiny have had their salaries slashed by half by the Nigerian Army.

The soldiers, which include four Lieutenant Colonels, a Major and four Army Captains are currently being tried by a General Court Martial at the AHQ Garrison headquarters at the Mogadishu Cantonment.

The soldiers are facing several charges related to Mutiny, Conspiracy to Mutiny, Assault; Absence without leave (AWOL); House breaking, Conduct prejudicial to good orders, among others.

Vanguard reports that the soldiers will be on half salary until the end of their trials, as stipulated in the terms and conditions (TACOS) of military statutes.

A senior army officer, who spoke to Vanguard on the issue explained that whenever the trial ends and decisions taken, those who are freed will revert to collecting their full salaries.

59 of the soldiers have were Wednesday arraigned for Mutiny and Conspiracy to Mutiny, as they were alleged to have refused orders by the Commanding officer of the 111 Special Forces Battalion to advance in an operation to recapture Delwa in Borno State from Boko Haram terrorists.

12 soldiers had last month been sentenced to death by a Military Court, for attempted murder and mutiny; three of them have appealed their sentence.