The Nigerian Army has reacted to an online publication alleging that some senior officers are threatening mutiny over poor salaries and allowances.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in a starement on Monday, described the publication as a false alarm designed to undermine public confidence and national security.
TheFact Daily reports that according to the report, published on Sunday by Sahara Reporters, some aggrieved personnel of the NA have raised concerns over what they described as wide disparities in the salaries of newly promoted soldiers, warning that unresolved welfare issues could trigger unrest within the force.
According to the publication, the soldiers, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, accused military authorities of corruption and poor handling of salary reviews, calling for an urgent investigation into issues affecting rank-and-file personnel.
They said recent salary increments following promotions were minimal, ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦15,000, despite years of service. Warning of possible lawlessness if their grievances are ignored, the soldiers said poor pay has trapped many in debt and urged the Federal Government to urgently review and fairly implement salaries and allowances in line with current economic realities.
Refuting the allegations, Anele averred that there had never been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.
“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 stated, adding that the narrative, based solely on anonymous, unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels “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”.
The NA clarified that promotion increments represent only a portion of military pay and should not be mistaken for total earnings, noting that personnel remuneration also includes consolidated salaries and various rank-based, operational, field and hardship allowances.
The statement added that the Army is implementing ongoing welfare reforms in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies, including periodic salary reviews, improved allowances, accommodation, medical care and insurance packages, and that the Chief of Army Staff has engaged appropriate authorities on troop welfare, with discussions already yielding positive results.
Dismissing claims of neglect, the Army stated that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
It stressed that the Nigerian Army remains disciplined and professional, warning that portraying the institution as unstable is irresponsible and detrimental to national security, while urging the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.
