By Mariam Sanni
Nigerian Army has debunked an alleged report of a soldier threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances.
This was made known in a press statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele in Abuja.
Aneke, who described the report as false, misleading and deliberately sensational designed to undermine public confidence and national security, emphasised that no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.
She explained that 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 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
She added that the federal government has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the armed forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publication alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances. We view the report published by Sahara Reporters as false, misleading and deliberately sensational, designed to undermine public confidence and national security.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the army. It is a grave offence under military law and alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of army personnel, who remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“The report relied solemnly 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.
“For avoidance of doubt, it is important to clarify that promotion increments are only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.
“Military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances and other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, continues to implement structured welfare reforms, including periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families. Issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
“The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, on assumption of duty initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authority on troops welfare. This is already yielding progressive outcomes.
“Contrary to claims of neglect, the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the armed forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges,” she stated.
