By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over issues related to salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading and deliberately sensational, with the potential to undermine public confidence and national security.
The Army’s position was contained in an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, following an online publication by Sahara Reporters which alleged discontent within the ranks of the Service. According to the statement, at no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, stressing that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and is completely alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism that define officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
Colonel Anele stated that Nigerian Army personnel remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, adding that the report relied solely on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels. She emphasized that such narratives do not reflect the views, conduct or disposition of personnel, who are trained to channel grievances through established internal procedures rather than through public or unofficial platforms.
Clarifying issues around remuneration, the Army noted that promotion increments represent only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. The statement explained that military remuneration comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary depending on deployment, qualifications and assigned responsibilities.
The Nigerian Army further reaffirmed that, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, it continues to implement structured welfare reforms aimed at improving the wellbeing of troops and their families. These reforms include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, better medical care and comprehensive insurance packages. Issues relating to allowances, the statement added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, upon assumption of duty, has already initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authorities on matters of troop welfare, a process which is reportedly yielding progressive outcomes.
The Army also countered claims of neglect by noting that 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, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Reaffirming its institutional stability, the Nigerian Army described itself as a cohesive, disciplined and professional 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 not only irresponsible but also detrimental to national security.
The public was urged to disregard unfounded reports and to rely on official communication channels for accurate and credible information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.
