By Peter Adelowo
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the report as sensational and harmful to national security.
Colonel Anele said there has been no threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, stressing that such conduct is alien to its ethos, discipline and professionalism.
She noted that mutiny is a grave offence under military law and is incompatible with the loyalty of Nigerian Army personnel to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Army spokesperson explained that the report relied on anonymous and unverifiable sources circulated through unofficial channels, which do not reflect the views of officers and soldiers who are trained to address grievances through established military procedures.
She clarified that promotion increments represent only a portion of military remuneration and should not be misinterpreted as total earnings.
According to her, military pay includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements determined by deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.
Colonel Anele said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies, is implementing structured welfare reforms, including regular reviews of salaries and allowances, improved operational incentives, enhanced accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
She added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has intensified engagement with relevant authorities on troop welfare since assuming office, with positive results already being recorded.
Colonel Anele reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to strengthening the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in the face of evolving security challenges.
She urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
