"Please pardon our husbands" Wives of detained soldiers plead to TINUBU for presidential amnesty

Thursday, October 2, 2025 - A group of wives of Nigerian soldiers currently in detention have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pardon their husbands and grant them a second chance to serve the country, stating that they be granted amnesty.

The group of more than 30 women and their young children gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Speaking on their behalf, Mrs. Rose Emmanuel David said many of the detained soldiers have been held for months, with some spending over a year at the 7 Division Military Police facility in Maiduguri. She explained that the situation has left families in hardship, forcing wives to take up menial jobs just to feed their children and pay school fees.

“Our husbands admit their mistakes and are willing to return with renewed loyalty to the Nigerian Army,” she said. 

“We are pleading with President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Governor Babagana Zulum, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support our call for mercy.”

The women argued that if amnesty can be extended to repentant Boko Haram members and bandits, then soldiers who once risked their lives defending the country should not be left without hope.

“These men once fought for peace and security. Showing them, compassion will not only restore their dignity but also strengthen trust between soldiers and the nation they serve,” Mrs. David added.

Their appeal comes shortly after a Special Court Martial in Maiduguri convicted several personnel, including two senior non-commissioned officers, for offences such as arms racketeering and 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.