Nigerian Army Detains Major Over Boko Haram Withdrawal

Major Sani Hail, a frontline officer in the Nigerian Army, has been detained for several months in solitary confinement in Maiduguri, Borno State. He is accused of withdrawing troops from a battlefield position during operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, allegedly to prevent casualties.

Sources indicate that his decision was made under heavy terrorist threat, which military authorities have deemed abandonment of duty. Major Hail, who has dedicated his military career to fighting in volatile areas, is reportedly held without access to family members or legal counsel, raising concerns about his treatment.

He is married with two wives and children, none of whom have been allowed to see him since his arrest. The detention has sparked frustration among colleagues, who fear that he is being unfairly punished for a tactical decision made to preserve lives.

The situation has also raised alarms about declining morale within the military and the potential discouragement of soldiers in combat zones.