The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army is to institute a military board of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the conduct of soldiers while their General Officer Commanding was addressing them in Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri on Wednesday.
The incident occurred when the corpses of soldiers killed in an ambush while returning from patrol duties in Chibok were being conveyed to the morgue.
Defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, Wednesday night confirmed that there is calm in the cantonment and all normal operations activities are ongoing. The aggrieved officers of the Division, established nearly three months ago specifically for the war against Boko Haram fired shots into the air as they were being addressed by Major General Ahmed Mohammed, their commanding officer who was appointed in February.
The grievances of the soldiers bothers on conditions of service, improved artillery and better welfare package for families of officers felled in line of duty. SEE MORE AFTER CUT>>>>>>>>
The soldiers say rather than a seeming state of servitude, they want rotation of officers to allow those of them who have been on the battle field for months have some rest.
Also, they are protesting the superior firepower in possession of Boko Haram members, which they said makes them withdraw during situations of severe confrontation.
Many Nigerians believe that for the soldiers’ to have revolted openly, it was high time the military high command pay more attention to feelings and genuine demand of its officers and men.
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