Wives and relatives of soldiers detained at the 7 Division Military Police Facility in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them a presidential pardon.

In a statement signed by their leaders, Mrs. Rosel David and Mrs. Abigail Jonathan, the families acknowledged the offences of the detained soldiers but pleaded that they be given a second chance.

“The detained soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the 7 Division Military Police Facility, Maiduguri, humbly appeal for mercy and forgiveness. Many have been held for months and years over various offences. They acknowledge their mistakes, have deeply reflected, and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty,” the statement read.

The group argued that if the Federal Government could extend amnesty to repentant Boko Haram members and bandits, then soldiers who once risked their lives to defend the country also deserved mercy.

“It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits who once raised arms against the state. These soldiers are Nigerians who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security,” the families said.

Appealing directly to the President, they added: “We respectfully call on His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to grant them a presidential pardon. We also appeal to the National Assembly, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support this plea.

“This is not a call for sympathy, but for justice with compassion. Their service and sacrifices should not be forgotten. Granting them pardon will not only restore their dignity but also strengthen the bond of trust between the nation and those who defend it.

“We appeal for mercy. We appeal for a presidential pardon. We appeal for the support of all Nigerians. God bless the President. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”(The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)