Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Army, on Friday, dismissed as fake news a report trending online alleging a planned mutiny by soldiers over poor salaries, allowances and welfare conditions.
The Army said a mutiny would be ironic at a time when its leadership has prioritised the welfare of troops and their families.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The statement, titled, “Threats of Mutiny: A False Alarm – Nigerian Army Committed to Troop Welfare, Discipline,” reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publication alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances.
“We view the report as false, misleading and deliberately sensational, designed to undermine public confidence and national security.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.
“Mutiny is a grave offence under military law and is 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 report relied solely on anonymous, unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels.
“Such narratives 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.
“For the 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.
“Military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, and other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, continues to implement structured welfare reforms, including periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.
“Issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
“The Chief of Army Staff, on assumption of duty, has initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authorities on troops’ welfare, which are already yielding progressive outcomes.
“Contrary to claims of neglect, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
“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.
“Attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are not only irresponsible but also detrimental to national security.
“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.”
