The Nigerian Army has described as false and misleading an online report claiming that its personnel were planning a mutiny over issues bordering on salaries, allowances and welfare.
The Army maintained that its leadership remains resolutely committed to the welfare, discipline and professionalism of officers and soldiers.
The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, titled “Threats of Mutiny: A False Alarm – Nigerian Army Committed to Troop Welfare, Discipline.”
In the statement, the Army said the publication was a calculated effort to sensationalise unfounded claims, undermine public confidence and threaten national security.
“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,” the statement read.
Col. Anele emphasised that there had never been any indication or threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army, noting that mutiny constitutes a serious offence under military law and is entirely inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism upheld by Nigerian soldiers.
She further stated that officers and men of the Army remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Army also criticised the report for being based on anonymous and unverifiable sources disseminated through unofficial platforms, stressing that such claims do not represent the views or conduct of its personnel, who are trained to address grievances through established internal channels rather than the public space.
Addressing concerns over remuneration, the statement clarified that promotion-related salary increments are only one aspect of military pay and should not be misconstrued as the total earnings of soldiers.
“Military remuneration comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities,” the statement explained.
The Army disclosed that, working with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies, it continues to implement structured welfare reforms. These include periodic salary reviews, improved operational allowances, better accommodation, enhanced medical services and comprehensive insurance packages for personnel and their families.
It added that allowance-related matters are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks, while the Chief of Army Staff, since assuming office, has engaged relevant authorities on troop welfare, leading to gradual but positive improvements.
Dismissing allegations of neglect, the Army said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently shown commitment to the welfare and operational efficiency of the Armed Forces, especially in the face of evolving security challenges.
Reiterating its position, the statement described the Nigerian Army as a united, disciplined and professional institution dedicated to its constitutional responsibility 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 statement warned, urging members of the public to ignore the unfounded report and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces.
