The authorities of the
Nigerian Army on Thursday reacted to the mutiny of some soldiers of the
Division 7 of the Nigerian Army by instituting a high powered
delegation to investigate the occurrence at the headquarters of the
Division at Maimalari, Maiduguri.
Investigations
revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah, also
approved the immediate removal of the General Officer Commanding the 7th Infantry Division, Major General Abubakar Mohammed.
Military sources said
that the fact finding team of Military Police investigators left Abuja
for Maiduguri in the morning on Thursday.
It was gathered that
the Army authorities have appointed Brig. Gen. MY Ibrahim, as the
replacement for Abubakar who was removed because of the deep resentment
against him among the incensed soldiers and some of their colleagues.
It was learnt that
Brig. Gen MY Ibrahim was appointed in acting capacity because the
position was meant to be occupied by a major general.
The former GoC was expected to hand over to his successor Ibrahim on Thursday before his movement to Abuja.
The Director of
Defence Information, Major Gen Chris Olukolade, confirmed the removal of
the Mohammed and his replacement with Brig. Gen Ibrahim ,in a telephone
conversation with our correspondent.
He admitted that the
military had commenced investigation into the disturbing development and
referred our correspondent to an earlier press statement issued on the
soldiers’ attack on the GOC.
The Division 7 of the Nigerian Army coordinates the ongoing campaign against the insurgents in the North East.
Olukolade had said
in a statement issued on Wednesday night in response to the incident
that the 7 Division would institute a board inquiry to investigate the
cause of the mutiny.
“The 7th
Division of the Nigerian Army is to institute a military board of
inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the conduct of soldiers who
fired some shots today while the General Officers Commanding was
addressing troops in Maimalari cantonment Maiduguri.” The statement read
in part.
Investigations
revealed that the soldiers who attacked the vehicle of the former GOC
also shot two of the soldiers in his escort on the leg for guiding him
into his armoured car and facilitating his escape.
The injured soldiers are said to be receiving treatment at the medical centre of a military facility in Maiduguri.
Source:Punch Newspaper.
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