Army denies unpaid allowances claims
By Wellington Jopelo
The Nigerian Army has rejected claims that soldiers deployed in Ogun State are being denied their allowances or extorting motorists, insisting that the allegations are untrue and aimed at misleading the public.
The Army said the claims surfaced in a viral video shared on social media by an individual identified as Abdul. In a response issued on Friday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, described the video as false and malicious.
According to the Army, the video alleged that troops assigned to company duties were not being paid their allowances and that soldiers manning border routes regularly collect money from road users. The Brigade said these allegations do not reflect the reality on ground.
It explained that soldiers on company duties in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-supported, multi-agency security initiative. The Brigade noted that before Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, personnel under the operation received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000.
“The allowance was later increased to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly after the new commander took over, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on troop welfare,” the statement said, adding that the payments are made consistently by the Ogun State Government.
On the issue of extortion, the Army firmly denied that its troops engage in such conduct, stressing that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and unethical behaviour.
“With regard to the allegation of extortion of motorists along border routes, the Brigade categorically states that troops deployed in these areas have never engaged in such illegal or unethical conduct,” the statement said.
The Army added that no credible complaint has been lodged against soldiers in this regard. It also disclosed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been removed, leaving only authorised agencies to carry out lawful vehicle checks.
The Brigade further claimed that the individual behind the viral video is a disgruntled retired airman known for spreading false claims against senior military officers.
Reaffirming its stance, the 35 Artillery Brigade said it remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of its personnel, while continuing to work with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in Ogun State.