“Since yesterday we have been met with very strong resistance – from more than pockets of Boko Haram. This morning, from every flank not least than 15 gun trucks were facing us,” he was captured to have said.

Dozens of soldiers were ambushed and killed in the attack.

Adeniyi was subsequently removed as commander of “Operation Lafiya Dole” and transferred to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

The army, however, claimed his redeployment was a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system.

In July, he was moved to the army headquarters in Abuja and directed to face a court martial.

Ruling on the matter on Monday, the military court found Adeniyi guilty of violating military social media guidelines and ordered that he be demoted by at least three years.

Adeniyi’s military aide, Tokunbo Obanla, who was prosecuted alongside the general, was also found guilty and sentenced to 28 days in jail with hard labour.

Obanla, whom Adeniyi said was in possession of his phone at the time of the incident, reportedly admitted to posting the video on social media in error.

Both convictions are subject to confirmation by the military board before they can take effect.

Adeniyi’s lawyers said they would appeal the tribunal judgement before higher military authorities.

A court martial is a legal proceeding for military officers and is similar to a civilian court trial. (Aledeh)