From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigerian Army, on Monday, slammed reports alleging that soldiers are threatening to mutiny over unpaid salaries and allowances, dismissing the claims as false and misleading.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Monday said there was no truth to the allegations, stressing that no such threat existed within the ranks of the military.
While assuring that reforms to improve troop welfare remain ongoing, Anele said the idea of mutiny was completely at odds with the values and professional standards of the Nigerian Army.
She emphasised that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and incompatible with the loyalty and discipline expected of officers and soldiers in their service to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief.
Anele explained that the report was based on anonymous and unverifiable sources circulated through unofficial platforms, stressing that it did not represent the views of serving personnel. According to her, members of the Nigerian Army are trained to address grievances through established internal procedures rather than through public agitation or acts of indiscipline.
Clarifying misconceptions about military remuneration, Anele said promotion increments account for only a portion of an officer’s earnings, adding that military pay includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational and field allowances, hardship benefits, and other entitlements, which vary depending on deployment, qualifications, and responsibilities.
She further disclosed that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces and relevant government agencies, is implementing reforms aimed at improving troop welfare, including periodic reviews of salaries and allowances, enhanced operational incentives, improved accommodation, better medical services, and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
Anele added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has since assuming office, initiated constructive engagements with relevant authorities to address welfare concerns, with tangible progress already being recorded.
She reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to strengthening the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces as they continue to tackle security challenges across the country.
The Nigerian Army urged members of the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely only on official communication channels for accurate and verified information.
