The Nigerian Army has sentenced 54 soldiers standing trial before a general court martial to death by firing squad and acquitted and discharged five others.

The soldiers were accused of mutiny, assault, cowardice and refusing to fight members of Boko Haram in the north eastern part of the country.

Their trial comes two weeks after 12 soldiers were sentenced to death by firing squad for mutiny and attempted murder of their commanding officer in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Their conviction brings to 66 the total number of soldiers sentenced to death by firing squad as part of disciplinary action by the Nigerian Army.

Their sentence is however subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior authority.

•Text courtesy of Channels TV. Photo shows some of the soldiers ealier sentenced by a court martial.