Wives of soldiers currently detained for offences related to the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Maiduguri, Borno State, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and military authorities to show compassion and grant their husbands pardon in the spirit of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Over 30 women, some accompanied by children under the age of two, including relatives and friends, gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri yesterday to make their plea.
Speaking to journalists, spokesperson Mrs. Rose Emmanuel David explained that some of their husbands have been held for committing minor offences for over a year. She stressed that the families have struggled to cope with daily responsibilities, with many women forced to take on menial jobs to provide for their children’s schooling and basic needs.
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Mrs. David argued that, while the Federal Government and military authorities have historically granted pardons to members of Boko Haram, bandits, and other criminals, it is equally important to extend mercy to detained soldiers.
She stated: “We are here on behalf of our husbands, who are detained soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the 7 Division Military Police Facility, Maiduguri. We humbly appeal for mercy and forgiveness. Many have been held for months and years over various offences. They have since acknowledged their mistakes, have deeply reflected and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.
“We respectfully call on President Tinubu to grant them a presidential pardon. We also appeal to the National Assembly and Governor Babagana Zulum of goodwill to support this plea.
“It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits, who once raised arms against the state. These soldiers are Nigerians too, men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so that they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security.
“This is not a call for sympathy, but for justice with compassion. Their service and sacrifices should not be forgotten. Granting them pardon will not only restore their dignity but also strengthen the bond of trust between the nation and those who defend it.”
Meanwhile, according to Vanguard, last week, the Special Court Martial (SCM), convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Nigerian Army, and Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, sentenced two Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and two Non-Commissioned Officers for arms and ammunition racketeering, as well as aiding and abetting the enemy.
