The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salary and allowance issues, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.
The Army was responding to an online publication that alleged that personnel were dissatisfied with their welfare and were threatening mutiny. According to the military, the report was intended to undermine public confidence in the Armed Forces and posed a risk to national security.
In a statement issued on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army categorically denied the allegation, stating that at no time had there been any threat of mutiny within its ranks.
The statement stressed that mutiny remains a grave offence under military law and is utterly incompatible with the values, discipline and professionalism of 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,” the Army stated.
It further noted that the report relied entirely on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through unofficial channels, adding that such narratives do not reflect the views or conduct of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
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According to the Army, personnel are trained to express grievances through established internal mechanisms rather than public platforms or media outlets.
“Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are trained to channel grievances through established military procedures rather than public platforms,” the statement said.
Addressing concerns raised about remuneration, the Army clarified that promotion increments should not be misconstrued as total earnings. It explained that military pay is made up of several components, including consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, and other entitlements that vary based on deployment, qualifications, and responsibilities.
The Army also stated that it is working closely with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities to improve troop welfare continually. Ongoing reforms, it said, include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
The statement added that since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff has initiated engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare, noting that these efforts are already yielding positive outcomes.
Rejecting claims of neglect, the Army emphasised that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Reaffirming its stance, the Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard the report and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information, stressing that it remains a cohesive, disciplined, and professional force focused on its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and support internal security operations.
