MISSING SOLDIERS: ARMY MAJOR, CAPTAIN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED SABOTAGE

The Nigerian Army has arrested two officers, a major and a captain in connection with alleged sabotage of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram.

It was gathered that the investigation followed the October 22, 2016 attack on troops’ location in Gashigar town in Borno State.

Media reports claimed that 83 soldiers went missing in the attack while some were killed by the Boko Haram terrorists, but the army denied the reports.

Sani Usman, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, in statement said 13 soldiers were wounded during the surprise attack and admitted that some soldiers were missing without giving any figure.

It was gathered that both President Muhammadu Buhari and the chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, were alarmed by the Gashigar attack, which involved an entire unit.

Military authorities decided to conduct a discreet investigation into the telephone conversation of some of the security personnel and their civilian counterparts and uncovered some suspicious activities through the screening.

“The Army leadership took out time to screen the communications lines of the officers for several days without making it known,” a source told the press.

“The suspicion was that they have links with some civilians and the links were traced. They are giving them vital information concerning the movement of soldiers.

“How come that the Borno State Governor and other officials have not been attacked, yet they ambushed the chief of army staff. They have not attacked civilians but they attacked the COAS.” the source said.

When army spokesman was contacted, he said investigation into the matter was ongoing.

Usman said that the army would not release information on the matter in view of the fact that there was an ongoing planned rescue operation in the area.

“Investigation is ongoing and once we conclude, the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction,” Colonel Usman said.

He however denied reports that 83 soldiers were missing in action, said the military did not lose any soldier to the Gashigar attack.

He, further stated that the military suspects would be subjected to military laws in accordance with the law.