The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said there has never been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, stressing that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and completely alien to the discipline, professionalism and ethos of the force.
Colonel Anele explained that the reports were based on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, noting that Nigerian Army personnel are trained to channel grievances through established internal procedures rather than public platforms.
The statement clarified that promotion increments represent only one aspect of military remuneration, adding that soldiers’ earnings also include consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements determined by deployment and responsibilities.
According to the Army, ongoing welfare reforms are being implemented in collaboration with other arms of the Armed Forces and relevant government agencies, including periodic salary reviews, improved allowances, better accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
The Army further stated that issues relating to allowances are continually reviewed within approved government frameworks, while the Chief of Army Staff has initiated engagements with appropriate authorities to further improve troop welfare.
The statement reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially amid evolving security challenges.
The Nigerian Army maintained that it remains a cohesive, disciplined and professional force focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security, warning that attempts to portray the institution as unstable are irresponsible and harmful to national security.
Writing by Mary Fatile