Nigerian Army Disciplines Officers For Operational Negligence

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army on Thursday said two of its personnel are to be court martialed for operational act of commission or omission.

The officers were said to have been involved in Tudun Biri incident that occurred in Kaduna State, during which civilians, mistaken for terrorists, were bombed.

The incident had drawn criticisms from across Nigerians, who called for a probe of the incident and compensations for victims that survived the attack.

Director, Defence Media Operation, Major General Edward Buba said, at biweekly media briefing that investigations on the incident have been concluded.

General Buba revealed that the military has conducted a painstaking investigation into the incident and has initiated disciplinary action against those culpable.

“Accordingly, the affected personnel are to face a court martial for acts of ommission or commission with respect to the incident.

“I’m however constrained to speak much about the incident as it would be adjudged as prejudicial being a case before court martial.

“However, it must be made clear that the incident was a mistake, as the victims of the strike were mistaken for terrorist.”

General Buba stated tha the Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) console with the families and loved ones of all those killed by the sad air strike.

“It is hoped that there would be no repeat of strikes on non combatants in ongoing operations. The military will take extra precautions in the future to ensure that non combatants are safe.”