Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed allegations circulating on social media accusing senior officers of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, Ogun State, of withholding troop allowances and permitting extortion of motorists along border routes, describing the claims as false, malicious and deliberately misleading.
In a detailed statement issued on January 2, 2026, the Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade said it had taken note of a viral video authored by an individual identified as Abdul, which levelled accusations against the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba, the Commanding Officer of the 351 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Matthew, and the Brigade Operations Officer, Major Isaac Ezechukwu. The video alleged that soldiers deployed on company duties were denied their rightful allowances and that troops stationed along border corridors routinely extorted motorists.
The Brigade categorically rejected the allegations, stressing that soldiers on company duties in Ogun State are deployed under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency internal security operation designed to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order. According to the Army, the welfare of these personnel has not only been prioritised but improved under the current leadership of the Brigade.
Military authorities explained that prior to Brigadier General Nwamba’s assumption of command in January 2025, personnel deployed under Operation MESA received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000. Upon taking office, the Brigade Commander reportedly initiated an upward review of the allowance to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of sound administration and enhanced troop welfare. The Brigade stated that the revised allowance is being paid by the Ogun State Government as and when due, dismissing any suggestion that soldiers are owed or denied their entitlements.
On the more serious allegation of extortion, the Army maintained that there has been no record of troops under the Brigade engaging in illegal or unethical conduct along border routes. It emphasised that the Nigerian Army operates a strict zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, corruption and extortion, adding that no credible complaint has been lodged against its personnel in this regard. To further reinforce professionalism, the Brigade said it had complied with directives from Defence Headquarters and Army Headquarters to remove all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas, leaving only authorised security agencies to conduct legitimate vehicle checks.
The statement went beyond a simple denial, directly questioning the motive and credibility of the individual behind the viral video. The Army described him as a disgruntled retired airman who allegedly had a history, even during his service in the Nigerian Air Force, of attempting to discredit senior officers through propaganda and the dissemination of false narratives. According to the Brigade, the renewed allegations appear aimed at attracting attention on social media while misleading the public and undermining confidence in ongoing security operations.
Military observers note that such accusations, when left unchallenged, can erode public trust in security institutions and potentially demoralise troops engaged in demanding internal security roles. In recent years, the Nigerian Army has repeatedly faced claims of misconduct in various theatres of operation, prompting it to adopt a more proactive communication strategy that includes swift rebuttals, internal investigations and public engagement whenever allegations arise.
In Ogun State, the 35 Artillery Brigade plays a significant role in supporting civil authorities, particularly in border communities where issues of smuggling, armed robbery and transnational crime have posed persistent challenges. Operation MESA, under which the soldiers are deployed, involves collaboration among the military, police and other security agencies, with funding and logistical support provided by the state government. The success of such operations, security analysts argue, depends heavily on discipline, accountability and adequate welfare for personnel on the front lines.
The Army’s response also reflects a broader institutional effort to project transparency and reinforce its stated commitment to the rule of law. In recent months, Army Headquarters has reiterated that any soldier found culpable of misconduct, including extortion or abuse of civilians, will face disciplinary action in accordance with military regulations. At the same time, the Army has cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of inflaming tensions or undermining national security efforts.
By issuing a comprehensive clarification, the 35 Artillery Brigade said it hoped to reassure the public, stakeholders and residents of Ogun State of its professionalism and dedication to duty. The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, collaborating with other security agencies and maintaining the highest standards of military ethics in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Signed by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade, the statement underscored that while the Army remains open to genuine complaints and constructive criticism, it will not hesitate to challenge what it describes as falsehoods intended to malign its leadership or disrupt operations. As security challenges continue to evolve across Nigeria, the Army maintained that responsible communication and accurate information remain essential to sustaining public confidence and operational effectiveness.
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