The Nigerian Army, has responded to the allegations that soldiers of 159 Battalion in Kanama, Geidam local government area in Tobe state are being poorly fed, and described the viral video to that effect, as misleading.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said an investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claim, ordered by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, revealed that the video was recorded with intent aimed at undermining the reputation of the NA.
According to Nwachukwu, the video in question was not created by soldiers of 159 Battalion, but was rather recorded by a police officer stationed with the troops deployed in Geidam.
Contrary to the claim made in the video, no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video.
Nwachukwu further said that according to preliminary investigation the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive yet to be uncovered by the investigation. “It is anticipated to be unraveled during further investigation”, he said.
He averred that the leadership of the Nigerian Army places premium on the welfare and well-being of troops and their families to ensure that they are adequately rewarded and motivated.
“The COAS has continued to show undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in the front lines, where they are making priceless sacrifices in defence of the nation and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens”, he stated.
The Army spokesman reeled out the various welfare schemes implemented by the COAS, which include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012.
Others he said are, Affordable House Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) with the COAS offsetting about 60 percent of the cost, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments to soldiers who incure injury in combat operations.
“These are aside from massive revamping and equipping of Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals and other medical facilities across formations and units of the Nigerian Army to cater for the health of personnel and their families and the ongoing renovation of old and construction of new accommodations for soldiers and their families in various Nigerian Army Cantonments and Barracks”, Nwachukwu said.
He said that the Nigerian Army sincerely appreciates the troops for their inestimable service to fatherland and equally cherishes the public’s continued concern for the welfare of the troops, as well as their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security”.
