The Nigerian Army is facing criticism over the prolonged detention of Major Shamsudeen Sani, an officer from Taraba State.
The dispute centers on a battlefield decision where the Major pulled his troops back from a superior terrorist force—a move his defenders call a "tactical withdrawal" but authorities allegedly view as an unauthorized retreat.
In military terms, "tactical withdrawal" means moving back to a safer spot to regroup. A source asked, "Is it a crime to protect your troops from being killed?"
Despite being held for months in the Borno State capital, reports suggest the Major has not been allowed to see a lawyer or speak to his family.
The outcry comes shortly after another high-ranking officer from the same region, Major I.U. Mairiga, was killed by insurgents, fueling fears for Sani’s safety.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement regarding the specific charges or the conditions of Major Sani’s detention.
