Nigerian Army Dismisses Alleged Mutiny Threats As False And Misleading
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.
In a statement addressing an online publication by Sahara Reporters, the Army said the report was based on anonymous and unverifiable sources and was designed to undermine public confidence and national security.
According to the Army, there has been no threat of mutiny at any time, stressing that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and completely alien to the ethos, discipline, and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel. The statement reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Army noted that its personnel are trained to channel grievances through established internal procedures rather than through public or non-official platforms. It emphasized that the narratives circulating online do not reflect the views or conduct of its officers and soldiers.
Clarifying issues surrounding remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments are only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military remuneration, it said, includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary depending on deployment, qualifications, and responsibilities.
The statement further highlighted ongoing welfare reforms being implemented in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities. These reforms include periodic salary reviews, improved operational allowances, enhanced accommodation, better medical care, and comprehensive insurance packages for troops and their families. Allowance-related matters, it added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.
The Army also disclosed that since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff has initiated constructive engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare, noting that these efforts are already yielding positive results.
Rejecting claims of neglect, the Army said the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially in response to evolving security challenges.
Reaffirming its professionalism, the Nigerian Army stated that it remains a cohesive and disciplined force, fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations. It warned that attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are irresponsible and detrimental to national security.
The public was urged to disregard unfounded reports and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army.
