Nigerian military responds to viral video alleging unpaid allowances and soldier mistreatment

The Nigerian military has issued a statement in response to a viral video circulating on social media that alleged troops were not receiving their allowances and that a soldier had been victimized.

The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, calls the video “misleading” and clarifies the status of troop allowances while reaffirming the military’s zero‑tolerance stance on misconduct.

Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) declared that the claims in the video are “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the military command structure.”

The statement added: “It is important to emphasize that all legitimate allowances due to troops under Operation HADIN KAI have been paid up to date as of May 2026, with no outstanding issues. These include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), disbursed to units for centralized feeding of troops, Operational Allowance paid directly into individual accounts, and Habit Allowance also paid into individual accounts.”

It explained that the video refers to an additional incentive paid to troops providing security at a critical national asset in Tuba, which is disbursed only when funds are available. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) initially assumed responsibility for this allowance, while the Borno State Government maintained a separate payment plan for the Police and Volunteer Forces,” the statement read.

“However, when NNPC ceased exploration, payments to troops were discontinued. Consequently, the Borno State Government graciously took over responsibility and effort is ongoing to incorporate the payment of troops into the same plan for the Police and Volunteer Forces.”

It added that at the time the concern was raised, funds for this additional allowance were still pending. “During an operational visit, the soldier presented the matter to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, who assured personnel that he would liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure payment once funds were released.”

The statement denied that the soldier was intimidated or punished, calling the allegation “entirely unfounded.” It noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to the welfare and fair treatment of its personnel. “Preliminary findings further reveal that the video was not produced by the soldier, but by a mischievous content creator known for publishing material based on information from a few disgruntled individuals,” the statement said. “The Theatre Command regards this act as unpatriotic and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Armed Forces.”

It warned that the dissemination of such maligning information violates the Nigerian Armed Forces’ social media policy, which defines acceptable use of digital platforms by personnel, particularly regarding operational matters. “Measures are firmly in place to address any breaches in accordance with established regulations,” the statement added.

In addition, the Military High Command has instituted robust mechanisms to ensure prompt and consistent payment of all legitimate entitlements, including close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve funding timelines for supplementary allowances. “The welfare of troops remains a paramount priority, and all concerns are continually addressed through established and effective channels,” it concluded.

The Theatre Command urged media organizations and the public to refrain from disseminating unverified or misleading information, especially on sensitive military operations, noting that such actions risk undermining troop morale and jeopardizing national security efforts.