No soldier planning mutiny, troops’ welfare our priority – Nigerian Army

Nigerian Army, on Monday, dismissed a report claiming that soldiers were planning a mutiny over poor pay and welfare.

It described the report as false and misleading.

Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Monday, said there was no truth in the report.

The Army accused the authors of the report of attempting to cause panic and undermine public trust and national security.

According to the Army, there has never been any threat of mutiny among its personnel.

Colonel Anele stressed that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and runs contrary to the values of discipline and professionalism that guide Nigerian soldiers.

She said officers and soldiers remain loyal to the Constitution and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, adding that the Army is a united and disciplined institution.

The statement also criticised the report for relying on anonymous and unverified claims circulated through unofficial channels.

The Army explained that its personnel are trained to raise concerns through established internal procedures, not through social media or online blogs.

On the issue of pay, the Army clarified that promotion-related increases are only one component of military earnings and should not be presented as total income.

“Military remuneration comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities,” the statement explained.

The Army further said it is working with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies to improve troops’ welfare. These efforts include regular salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved housing, medical care and insurance packages for soldiers and their families.

It added that issues relating to allowances are reviewed regularly within approved government guidelines. The Army said the current Chief of Army Staff has already begun engagements with the appropriate authorities to address welfare matters, with gradual improvements being recorded.

Rejecting claims of neglect, the Army said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to support the welfare and effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of ongoing security challenges.

The statement warned that portraying the Army as unstable or lawless is irresponsible and harmful to national security.

It urged the public to disregard the report and rely only on official sources for accurate information about the military.