The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading and deliberately sensational.
The Army was responding to an online publication which claimed that welfare concerns among personnel had sparked threats of mutiny, a narrative it said was designed to undermine public confidence and threaten national security.
In a statement issued on Monday via its official X handle, and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said there had been no instance or threat of mutiny within its ranks.
The statement emphasised that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and completely alien to the ethos, 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.
According to the Army, the report relied entirely on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through unofficial channels, stressing that such narratives do not reflect the views, conduct or realities within the force.
It further noted that officers and soldiers are trained to channel grievances through established internal military procedures rather than airing concerns on public platforms.
Clarifying misconceptions about remuneration, the Army cautioned against presenting promotion increments as total earnings, explaining that military pay comprises multiple components.
“For the avoidance of doubt, promotion increments are only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings,” the statement said.
It added that military remuneration includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.
The Army also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve troop welfare, noting that it is working with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities to implement structured welfare reforms.
These reforms, according to the statement, include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
The statement further disclosed that since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff has initiated engagements with relevant authorities focused on troop welfare, with positive outcomes already emerging.
Rejecting claims of neglect, the Army said 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 described itself as a cohesive, disciplined and professional force fully committed to its constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.
The Army urged members of the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army.