The Nigerian Army has issued a strong rebuttal against what it describes as false and sensational reports alleging threats of mutiny within its ranks over issues of salaries and allowances. In an official statement released on January 19, 2026, via its X (formerly Twitter) handle, @HQNigerianArmy, the military high command labeled the claims as misleading and a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and public confidence.
Army Condemns "Misleading" Report, Upholds Discipline
The Army's response was directly aimed at a publication by Sahara Reporters, which it stated relied on anonymous and unverifiable sources from non-official channels. The institution emphasized that the concept of mutiny is a grave offence under military law and is fundamentally alien to the discipline and professional ethos of the Nigerian soldier.
The Army stressed that at no point had there been any threat of mutiny among its personnel. It clarified that its officers and soldiers remain steadfastly loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement further explained that the military has established, formal procedures for addressing grievances, which do not involve airing issues on public platforms.
Clarification on Military Remuneration and Welfare Reforms
Addressing the core of the misleading report, the Army provided detailed insight into the structure of military compensation. It clarified that promotion increments, often highlighted in such reports, constitute only one component of a soldier's total earnings.
Military remuneration is a comprehensive package that includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, as well as field and hardship allowances. Other entitlements vary based on deployment, specific qualifications, and responsibilities.
The statement highlighted ongoing, structured welfare reforms being implemented in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities. These reforms encompass:
- Periodic salary reviews.
- Enhanced operational allowances.
- Improvements in accommodation and medical care.
- Comprehensive insurance packages for troops and their families.
The Army noted that the Chief of Army Staff has initiated positive engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare since assuming duty, and these efforts are yielding progressive results.
Government Commitment and a Call for Responsible Reporting
Contrary to narratives of neglect, the Nigerian Army affirmed that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. This support is particularly crucial in the face of the nation's evolving security challenges.
The Army reaffirmed its status as a cohesive, disciplined, and professional force, fully dedicated to 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 not only irresponsible but also detrimental to national security interests.
The statement concluded by urging the public to disregard such unfounded reports and to rely solely on official communication channels from the Nigerian Army for accurate and verified information concerning the Armed Forces.
In a related effort to combat misinformation, the Army also recently refuted another circulating claim alleging that its troops arrested and killed 11 defenseless Fulani men, describing those reports as equally unsubstantiated and baseless.
