Jaji attacks: Military to sanction soldiers on duty

The bus shortly after the bomb explosion in Jaji yesterday

The military high command in Nigeria has released 22 soldiers arrested in relation with the twin bomb blasts that rocked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji on November 25, 2012.

Our investigations showed that most of the soldiers were found not culpable in the bombing.

The team of investigators, however, handed over a civilian who was caught in jubilation when the blasts rocked the St. Andrews Military Protestant Church, Jaji, to operatives of the State Security Service.

The civilian, whose identity was not disclosed, was handed over to the SSS to ascertain the level of his involvement with those who carried out the bombings.

Investigations further showed that the panel of enquiry set up by the Defence Headquarters led by Maj.-Gen. S.U. Abdulkadir, now Commander, ECOWAS Force in Mali, recommended that those on duty when the blast occurred should be sanctioned.

However, the Abdulkadir panel did not give the specific punishments that should be given to the soldiers.

The Army headquarters received the final report of the panel and had referred it to its intelligence unit to take a critical look at the document.

It was gathered that a final report of the second panel would be ready next week.

When our correspondent contacted the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Bola Koleosho, he said Nigerians should await the outcome of the investigation being conducted into the incident.