The soldiers were found guilty of mutiny after they disobeyed orders to help recapture three towns under siege by the Islamic militants in August. The soldiers argued they didn't have enough weapons and ammunition to fight Boko Haram in Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State.

The soldiers pleaded not guilty to the charges in the court martial, which began Oct. 15.

All 54 convicted men would face a firing squad, though five others were acquitted of the charges.