The Nigerian Army's Headquarters Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-east Operation Hadin Kai has formed a panel to probe the alleged collaboration of its soldiers in the assassination of an Islamic preacher in Yobe state, Goni Gashua.
The army said in a statement issued on Sunday by one of its spokespersons, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, that an inquiry is underway to determine the identity of the soldiers.
News outlets reported the arrest of two soldiers in connection with the death of Mr Gashua, a sheikh.
Gashua was slain on Friday night near Jaji Maji in Yobe State's Karasuwa Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe, Dungus Abdulkareem, who confirmed the incident said, “details of the incident would be relayed to the general public in a few days.”
While confirming the incident, the army described it as highly regrettable “given the Sectors disposition and zero tolerance on violation of Code of Conduct and Rules of engagement for troops.”
In its statement on Sunday, the army said, “The sector, in collaboration with Yobe State Police Command is carrying out investigation to unravel the identity of the suspected soldiers.
“Additionally, the Sector has instituted a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstance surrounding the unfortunate incident. At the end of the investigation, the soldiers will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws.”
Read full statement:
PRESS RELEASE
RE: POLICE ARREST TWO SOLDIERS OVER MURDER OF ISLAMIC CLERIC
The attention of Headquarters Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai has been drawn to a publication by Premium Times dated 21 August 2022 alleging that the Nigerian Police in Yobe State have arrested two soldiers over the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni Gashua.
The Sector, in collaboration with Yobe State Police Command is carrying out investigation to unravel the identity of the suspected soldiers. Additionally, the Sector has instituted a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstance surrounding the unfortunate incident. At the end of the investigation, the soldiers will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws.
This incident is highly regrettable given the Sectors disposition and zero tolerance on violation of Code of Conduct and Rules of engagement for troops.
Consequently, the Sector wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe State and promise that justice would be served accordingly.
KENNEDY ANYANWU
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters Sector 2
Operation HADIN KAI
21 August 2022