BHT: Buhari Orders Recall into Army of Ex-GOC 7 Division.
President Mihammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian Army authorities to immediately reinstate Major General Ahmed Muhammed, the erstwhile General Officer Commanding the 7th division of the Army in Maiduguri whose official vehicle was famously fired at by troops protesting the death of their colleagues in a Boko Haram ambush into the Nigerian Army.
Consequently, the former GOC has been recalled and is awaiting posting by the Army headquarters.
Recall that following the near assassination of the GOC in August 2014 which was interpreted as an affront on the Army High Command headed by Lt. General KTJ Minimah, a military Court Martial was set up to trial about 90 soldiers for mutiny, attempt to assassinate the General Officer Commanding, conspiracy and disobedience to lawful orders.
On learning that about 25 troops deployed for insurgency operation by one of the Battalions’ under him were killed, the former GOC had gone to address the troops for the need to confront the terrorists with new strategies.
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After addressing the troops at Maimaleri Barracks, as he made to enter his vehicle, the soldiers opened fire on him but because the vehicle was bullet proof and supported by divine intervention, General Mohammed was able to escape.
The soldiers were later charged for Mutiny and attempted murder before a Military court Martial in Abuja, and some were sentenced to death, while others received jail sentences in accordance with specific roles played.
General Muhammed was later removed as the GOC and left floating. He had not reported for any duty because he had no office. He was retired nor posted to any army formation.
Following the humiliation and abandonment, the officer petitioned President Mohammadu Buhari intimating the C in C of his travails. After reviewing his case, President Buhari ordered the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai to reinstate him.
Recall that 66 soldiers who were sentenced to death for the offences, had their sentences reviewed by a panel set up by the Chief of Army Staff and the death sentences commuted to 19 years imprisonment each. The review panel was headed by the GOC 1 division, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade.
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