Nigerian Army denies mutiny threat over salaries, allowances report
By Idun Maximus
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging that soldiers were threatening mutiny over issues related to salaries and allowances.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said there had been no threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, describing the report as sensational and harmful to national security.
Anele said mutiny was a grave offence under military law and completely alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of the Nigerian Army, stressing that the personnel remained loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
She explained that the report was based on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, which did not represent the views or disposition of officers and soldiers, who were trained to channel grievances through established military procedures.
The army spokesperson clarified that promotion increments constituted only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.
According to her, military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, as well as operational, field and hardship allowances, alongside other entitlements that vary depending on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.
Anele said the Nigerian Army, working with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies, was implementing structured welfare reforms. These include periodic reviews of salaries and allowances, improved operational incentives, enhanced accommodation, better medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.
She added that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had, since assuming office, sustained constructive engagement with relevant authorities on troop welfare, with positive outcomes already being recorded.
Anele reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remained committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in the face of evolving security challenges.
She urged members of the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate and verified information on the Nigerian Army.
