Prolonged Detention Of Seaman Abbas — Eye Witness Account

Prolonged Detention Of Seaman Abbas — Eye Witness Account

This week, social media has been awashed by the revelation of the wife of Seaman Abbas of 20 Battalion Sarti whom had been detained for about 7 years by the Nigerian Military Authorities. It is regrettable that the Seaman had been in detention for so long and the physical, mental and psychological strain on his wife and family cannot be quantified. A video has emerged of the actual incident that led to his detention and these are the account of an eye witness as we await the outcome of the investigation of the Defence Headquarters. 

1. The former commanding Officer in question MS Adamu is a Colonel not a Brigadier General as wrongly stated in most publications

2. ⁠He has had a meritorious career in the military excelling in several courses both in Nigeria and Abroad upholding the highest standard of discipline.

3. ⁠He partook in several military operations including operation Zaman Lafiya, Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Whirlstroke earning several commendations for clearing Bokoharam and Bandits strongholds. 

4. ⁠MS Adamu was the commanding officer at 20 Battalion in Sarti that were mandated to participate in Operation Whirlstroke to fight Banditry where Abbas was serving as part of the armed forces joint special forces team. 

5. ⁠When instruction came for 20 Battalion to join Operation Whirlstroke Abbas disobeyed orders to followfor the operation and he was ordered by Col MS Adamuto be detained in the guardroom for disobedience, insubordination and cowardice. 

6. ⁠Abbas resisted arrest and refused to be disarmed and started firing his rifle in resistance to the detention. 

7. ⁠Seaman Abbas was overpowered by fellow soldiers present and detained.

8. Seaman Abbas was then sent to the hospital for evaluation and was said to have been under the influence of hard substance

9. According to the witness present. the narrative about Seaman Abbas not allowed to proceed for prayers at the mosque never happened 

9. As MS Adamu does not have the powers to put Seaman Abbas on trial for such an offence, Seaman Abbas was thereafter transferred to the Headquarters of Operation Whirlstroke for a military Court-martial

10. MS Adamu himself has since be transferred away from Sarti to several other locations since 2018 

11. Detention for over 6 years without any confirmation of trial verdict or sentencing has outraged Nigerians irrespective of the offence of Seaman Abbas. We commend the courage of Seaman Abbas’s wife for being steadfast and standing by her man for several years and seeking justice.

This is a sad and unfortunate situation for personnel and families of our armed forces who are making the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation including Seaman Abbas, MS Adamu and the soldiers and officers that had to experience this unfortunate incident. We are confident that the necessary care and support will be given to all our troops facing similar challenges in all locations. Speedy and fair trial is a right and necessity especially in the armed forces at this very difficult and trying times battling insurgency, banditry and several other insecurity issues within and outside our borders.