The Nigerian Army has dismissed an online publication alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the report as false, misleading and deliberately sensational.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army faulted the report published by Sahara Reporters, alleging that it was designed to undermine public confidence and national security.
According to the statement, there have not been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, describing mutiny as a grave offence under military law and completely alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel.
It affirms that officers and soldiers of the Army remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The statement says that the report relied solely on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, noting that such narratives do not reflect the views, conduct or disposition of Nigerian Army personnel.
Procedures for channeling grievances
It insists that there are established military procedures through which soldiers can channel their grievances rather than public platforms.
The statement explains that promotion increments represent only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.
It notes that military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary according to deployment, qualification and responsibilities.
It explains that the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities has continuously implemented structured welfare reforms.
These include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.
The statement further explains that issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
It also discloses that the Chief of Army Staff, upon assumption of duty, initiated positive engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare, a move that is already yielding progressive outcomes.
The statement emphasized that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
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.
The statement describes attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless as irresponsible and detrimental to national security.
It urges the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.
