Boko Haram: Nigerian Major on-the-run Suspected in Killing of 24 Civilian JTF Youth

Civilian JTF, young and old, boys and girls

Sept. 3, 2013

Punch

A Major in the Nigerian Army is said to be under investigation over the circumstances leading to the gruesome killing of 24 members of the ‘Civilian JTF’ in Borno State on Friday.

Investigations revealed that the Major, who was in command of the unit entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the youth volunteers on the day of the massacre, withdrew the soldiers thereby making it possible for the insurgents to carry out the devastating attack on them.

It was learnt that the leadership of the military had made moves to arrest the said Major, who is believed to have fled the area.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Chris Olukolade, said on Monday that the incident involving the Major had not been reported to him.

He said if such a thing took place, the necessary steps would be taken by the Defence Headquarters to address it.

He said, “Such an incident has not been reported to me at the moment. If it is reported, I can tell you that the appropriate action would be taken.”

It was further learnt that the use of three desert hilux by the men in military uniforms for the slaughter of the Vigilance Group members had also been generating suspicions in security circles.