The Nigerian Army has rejected claims suggesting that soldiers are threatening mutiny due to issues related to salaries and allowances, labeling the allegations as false, misleading, and sensationalized.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, responding to an online report by Sahara Reporters, the Army condemned the article for relying on anonymous and unverifiable sources, asserting that such narratives are aimed at eroding public trust and jeopardizing national security.
The Army emphasized that there has been no threat of mutiny whatsoever, highlighting that mutiny is a serious offense under military law and fundamentally contrary to the values, discipline, and professionalism upheld by Nigerian Army personnel. The statement reiterated the unwavering loyalty of the officers and soldiers to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Furthermore, the Army clarified that its personnel are trained to address grievances through established internal channels rather than through public or unofficial means. The Army underscored that the circulating narratives do not represent the views or behaviors of its members.
On the subject of remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments constitute only one aspect of military pay and should not be mistaken for total earnings. Military compensation includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, as well as field and hardship allowances, which vary based on deployment, qualifications, and responsibilities.
The statement further highlighted ongoing welfare reforms being implemented in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities. These reforms include periodic salary reviews, improved operational allowances, enhanced accommodation, better medical care, and comprehensive insurance packages for troops and their families. Allowance-related matters, it added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
The Army also disclosed that since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff has initiated constructive engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare, noting that these efforts are already yielding positive results.
Rejecting claims of neglect, the Army said the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially in response to evolving security challenges.
Reaffirming its professionalism, the Nigerian Army stated that it remains a cohesive and disciplined force, fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations. It warned that attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are irresponsible and detrimental to national security.
It urged the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army.
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