Nigerian Army Debunks False Mutiny Allegations, Prioritizes Soldier Welfare

The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims by an online publication alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances. It described such a claim as “false, misleading and deliberately sensational”, designed to undermine public confidence and national security. In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, by its spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Nigerian Army stated that at no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Army. According to the statement, 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 country’s Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.” It said that, to demonstrate the mischievous nature of the report, the online publication relied solely on anonymous, unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels. “Such narratives do not represent the views, conduct or disposition of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, who are trained to channel grievances through established military procedures rather than public platforms,” the statement said. It stated that contrary to claims of neglect by the online publication, the Federal Government under the present administration has “consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces”, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges. According to the statement, to demonstrate that troops’ welfare is a top priority on his agenda, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, upon assuming office, initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authorities on troops’ welfare, which it noted were already yielding positive results. It explained that promotion increments are only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings, adding that military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, and other entitlements, which vary by deployment, qualification, and responsibilities. The statement emphasized that Issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks. It noted that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, will continue to implement structured welfare reforms, including periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and insurance packages for troops and their families. The military high command reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains a “cohesive, disciplined and professional force” that is fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations. “Attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are not only irresponsible but also detrimental to national security,” the Army said.