Abuja, Dec 18 (IANS): A Nigerian military court has sentenced 54 soldiers to death for refusing to fight Boko Haram terrorists.

The soldiers' lawyer said a general court martial in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja sentenced the soldiers to death by firing squad over charges of mutiny, assault and cowardice, allAfrica reported Thrusday.

An officer, who was present at the court martial confirmed 54 of the 59 soldiers were sentenced to death and five were acquitted.

The 59 soldiers, who were serving in the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state of Nigeria, allegedly refused to follow orders by their commander to proceed on a mission to clear out terrorists and secure a town for subsequent military deployments.

All the soldiers had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them during the trial.

Boko Haram terrorist group has claimed responsibility for many deadly gun and bomb attacks in various parts of Nigeria.

Over 10,000 people have so far been killed in the attacks.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 6,50,000 Nigerians have fled their homes due to Boko Haram attacks, while others have taken refuge in the neighbouring countries.