Army debunks alleged mutiny plot, reaffirms commitment to troop welfare

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report claiming that soldiers were planning a mutiny over poor salaries, allowances and welfare conditions.

The Army described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to sensationalise issues, misinform the public and undermine national security.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, titled “Threats of Mutiny: A False Alarm – Nigerian Army Committed to Troop Welfare, Discipline.”

According to the statement, the Army said there had been no threat of mutiny at any time, stressing that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and entirely inconsistent with the values of discipline, loyalty and professionalism that define the Nigerian Army.

“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.

Colonel Anele noted that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army remain fully loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

She faulted the report for relying on anonymous and unverifiable sources circulated through unofficial channels, noting that such claims do not reflect the conduct or mindset of Nigerian soldiers.

The Army emphasised that its personnel are trained to address grievances through established internal mechanisms rather than through public or online platforms.

Clarifying issues around remuneration, the Army explained that promotion-related increments represent only a fraction of military earnings and should not be misrepresented as total pay.

“Military remuneration consists of consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements which vary depending on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities,” the statement said.

The Army further disclosed that, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies, it has continued to implement structured welfare reforms. These include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, upgraded medical services and comprehensive insurance packages for personnel and their families.

It added that issues relating to allowances are continually reviewed within approved government frameworks, while the current Chief of Army Staff has engaged relevant authorities on troop welfare since assuming office, with gradual but positive outcomes.

Contrary to allegations of neglect, the Army said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently shown commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially in the face of evolving security challenges.

Reaffirming its position, the Nigerian Army described itself as a united, disciplined and professional force focused on its constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.

“Attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are irresponsible and pose a threat to national security,” the statement warned, urging the public to disregard the unfounded report and rely on official channels for accurate information on the Armed Forces.