ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Nigerian Army has refuted reports suggesting that soldiers were threatening mutiny over issues related to salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading and intentionally sensational.
The Army was reacting to an online report alleging that welfare concerns had pushed personnel to consider mutiny, a claim it said was designed to erode public trust and undermine national security.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army stressed that there had been no instance or threat of mutiny within its ranks.
The statement emphasised that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and runs contrary to the core values of the institution.
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“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,” the Army stated.
It said the report was based on unverified allegations circulated through unofficial platforms.
“The report relied solemnly on anonymous, unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels,” the statement said, noting that such assertions did not represent the views or conduct of officers and soldiers.
According to the Army, its personnel are trained to address grievances through recognised internal mechanisms rather than in the public space.
“Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are trained to channel grievances through established military procedures rather than public platforms,” the statement read.
Addressing remuneration concerns, the Army clarified that promotion increments should not be misconstrued as an individual’s total pay.
“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,” the statement said.
It explained that military compensation comprises “consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances and other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities.”
The Army added that it was collaborating with relevant authorities to enhance troop welfare.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, continues to implement structured welfare reforms,” the statement noted.
These measures, it said, include “periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and insurance packages for troops and their families.”
The statement further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff had commenced welfare-focused engagements since assuming office.
“The Chief of Army Staff on assumption of duty has initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authority on troops welfare. This is already yielding progressive outcomes,” it added.
The Army also dismissed allegations of neglect, maintaining that the Federal Government remains committed to the wellbeing of the Armed Forces.
“Contrary to claims of neglect, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces,” the statement said.
Reiterating its stance, the Army said it remained committed to its constitutional duties and advised the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.
“The Nigerian Army remains a cohesive, disciplined and professional force, fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.
“The public is urged to disregard such unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces especially the Nigerian Army,” the statement concluded.