Detained Soldiers’ Wives Urge Tinubu to Grant Amnesty, Say Families Suffer Hardship
Story: written by Peterson October 2,2025
Wives of Nigerian soldiers currently in detention have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant their husbands amnesty, just as pardons are sometimes extended to repentant terrorists and bandits.
Over 30 women, accompanied by their children, gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri on Wednesday to make their plea public.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs. Rose Emmanuel David said many of the detained soldiers have been held for several months, with some spending more than a year at the 7 Division Military Police facility in Maiduguri. She explained that the prolonged detention has plunged families into hardship, forcing wives to engage in menial jobs to feed their children and pay school fees.
“Our husbands acknowledge their mistakes and are ready to return to the Nigerian Army with renewed loyalty,” Mrs. David stated.
The women urged President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Governor Babagana Zulum, and other Nigerians of goodwill to intervene, stressing that compassion should be extended to men who once defended the country on the frontlines.
“If amnesty can be granted to former Boko Haram members and bandits, then soldiers who fought for Nigeria’s peace and security deserve a second chance,” she said.
Their appeal follows the conviction of several soldiers by a Special Court Martial in Maiduguri, including two senior non-commissioned officers, over offences ranging from arms racketeering to aiding the enemy.
The women expressed hope that the Independence Day season would inspire forgiveness and allow their husbands to be reunited with their families.
