The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online publication alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the report as deliberately sensational and capable of undermining public confidence and national security.
In a press statement, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said the report—attributed to Sahara Reporters—was based solely on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels and does not reflect the views or conduct of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
She emphasized that at no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, noting that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and alien to the institution’s ethos, discipline, and professionalism. According to her, Nigerian Army personnel remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Army clarified that promotion increments are only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military pay, the statement explained, includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, and other entitlements that vary according to deployment, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Colonel Anele further stated that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, continues to implement structured welfare reforms. These include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and comprehensive insurance packages for troops and their families. Issues relating to allowances, she added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
The statement also noted that the Chief of Army Staff, upon assumption of duty, initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authorities on troop welfare, efforts that are already yielding progressive outcomes.
Contrary to claims of neglect, the Army reaffirmed that the Federal Government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly amid evolving security challenges.
Reiterating its position, 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 irresponsible and detrimental to national security.
The public was urged to disregard unfounded reports and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.
