Army to probe alleged Nigerian role in rebel invasion of Freetown

The army has set up a board of inquiry to assess the culpability of Nigerian soldiers in ECOMOG who were based in Freetown at the time of the rebel invasion, the ‘Guardian’ reported. Sierra Leonean Defence Chief Brigadier-General Maxwell Khobe told the ‘Guardian” at the weekend that Abubukar and other Nigerian chiefs were “embarrassed” by the incident and he described the rebel infiltration as a “very big disgrace”. The investigation centres on the role of the 93 Mechanised Battalion, responsible for the Kissy area of Freetown, an eastern suburb which was virtually destroyed during the rebel invasion. Its aim is to ascertain whether any orders were issued or ignored. It will also probe whether any Nigerian officer failed to act on time regarding intelligence received which may have facilitated the rebel invasion, the ‘Guardian’ said. Already, the comassembly elections in January. Army to probe alleged Nigeris in custody in connection with the inquiry.