The Nigerian Army has denied reports that soldiers are threatening mutiny over issues relating to salaries and allowances, insisting that no such threat exists within its ranks.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army described mutiny as a grave offence under military law and said it is incompatible with the values, discipline and professionalism of its personnel.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army. Mutiny is a grave offence under military law and alien to the ethos 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 statement said.
Addressing concerns over remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments should not be confused with total earnings, noting that military pay consists of multiple components, including consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements determined by deployment and responsibilities.
The Army added that welfare reforms are ongoing in collaboration with relevant government authorities to improve the well-being of personnel and their families. These reforms, it said, include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff has continued to prioritise troop welfare since assuming office, while the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
“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,” the Army said.
The Army reaffirmed that it remains a cohesive and disciplined force focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.
The response follows a report by SaharaReporters on Sunday in which some soldiers alleged disparities in salary increments following promotions and threatened unrest if welfare concerns were not addressed. In an open letter to President Tinubu, the aggrieved personnel accused senior officers of corruption and called for a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances in line with current economic realities.
