Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian military has dismissed a viral social media video that alleged non-payment of allowances to troops and victimisation of a soldier in the North-east theatre, describing the claims as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to discredit the Armed Forces. The statement was issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, in reaction to the widely circulated video.
The Theatre Command clarified that all legitimate allowances due to troops have been fully paid up to date as of May 2026, with no outstanding arrears. These include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for unit‑level feeding, Operational Allowance paid directly into individual accounts, and Habit Allowance also disbursed to personnel accounts. The Command further explained that the issue referenced in the video relates to an additional incentive provided to troops deployed to secure a critical national asset in Tuba, Borno State – an allowance that is separate from standard operational entitlements and is only released when funds are available.
Initially, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) funded this incentive, while the Borno State Government maintained a separate arrangement for police personnel and volunteer forces. However, after NNPC ceased exploration activities in the area, its contribution was discontinued. The Borno State Government later assumed responsibility for the payment and is currently working to harmonise the arrangement for all security personnel, including integrating troops into the existing framework that already covers police and volunteer forces. At the time the concern was raised, funds for this supplementary allowance were still pending.
The statement revealed that the soldier had formally presented the matter during an operational visit to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, who assured troops that he would engage relevant authorities to ensure payment once funds were released. The military strongly denied allegations that the soldier was intimidated or punished, reiterating its commitment to the welfare and fair treatment of its personnel.
Preliminary findings indicate that the video did not originate from the soldier but was produced by a content creator “known for publishing material based on information from a few disgruntled individuals.” The Command described the act as “unpatriotic” and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Armed Forces. The military warned that disseminating unverified information on operational matters violates the Armed Forces’ social media policy and could undermine troop morale and national security efforts.
The Theatre Command urged media organisations and the public to refrain from spreading misleading information, reaffirming its commitment to timely payment of legitimate entitlements and the successful restoration of peace in the North‑east.
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