Soldiers alleged to have connection with Boko Haram are to face dealth penalty while others will be sentenced to jail.

CEOAFRICA learnt the affected among which there were one lieutenant, one warrant officer and 16 others have been under the trial of the General Court Martial since July 1, 2013.

According to the report, they were accused of offences like communicating with Boko Haram members, cowardly behavior, murder, manslaughter.

A military source said that those soldiers who were sentenced to death actually deserved the sentence noting that for serving soldiers who swore to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and Nigerians therein to be found conniving with the enemies of Nigeria (Boko Haram) is a treasonable offence which attracts capital punishment.

According to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division, Jos, Maj.-Gen. Ebiobowei Bonna Awala, the General Court Martial is one of those instruments conferred on him by virtue of Armed Forces Act Chapter A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria to address problems of this nature.

He pointed out that discipline is the foundation on which the military career rests, adding that discipline and loyalty are two essential requirements no person who wants to succeed in professional soldiering can afford to lack.

He however declared that it is with a heavy heart that he has to convene the General Court Martial, being the first within four months of his assumption of duty as the GOC of the Division.