The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted online reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the publication as false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the military institution dismissed claims published by Sahara Reporters as unfounded attempts to undermine public confidence and national security.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army,” Colonel Anele stated emphatically. “Mutiny is a grave offence under military law and alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel, who remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
The Army spokesperson criticized the report for relying solely on anonymous, unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, noting that such narratives do not represent the views, conduct, or disposition of officers and soldiers.
Colonel Anele emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are trained to channel grievances through established military procedures rather than public platforms, further discrediting the authenticity of the alleged complaints.
Addressing what the Army described as deliberate misrepresentation of military earnings, the statement clarified that promotion increments constitute only one component of military remuneration.
“Military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances and other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities,” the statement explained.
The Nigerian Army highlighted its continuous implementation of structured welfare reforms in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities.
These reforms include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and comprehensive insurance packages for troops and their families.
“Issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks,” Colonel Anele stated.
The statement revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, upon assumption of duty, has initiated positive engagements with appropriate authorities concerning troop welfare, which are already yielding progressive outcomes.
Contrary to allegations of neglect, the Army emphasized that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly amid evolving security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army remains a cohesive, disciplined and professional force, fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations,” the statement affirmed.
The public has been urged to disregard such unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.
The public has been urged to disregard such unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.
The statement comes amid heightened security operations across the country, with Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, North-West, and other regions facing security challenges.
Military analysts view the Army’s swift response as part of efforts to maintain morale among troops and preserve public confidence in the institution’s stability and professionalism.