The Nigerian Army has denied threat of mutiny within its ranks over salaries and allowances.
The army made the denial in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The statement stressed that such actions were incompatible with its values and operational standards.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army. Mutiny is a grave offence under military law and alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel, who remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”.
On issues surrounding remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments are not same as total earnings, as military pay consists of several components.
“For avoidance of doubt, it is important to clarify that promotion increments are only one component of military remuneration and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military pay comprises consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances and other entitlements that vary by deployment, qualification and responsibilities”.
The statement added that ongoing welfare reforms are being implemented in collaboration with relevant authorities to improve the well-being of personnel.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, continues to implement structured welfare reforms, including periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and insurance packages for troops and their families. Issues relating to allowances are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks”.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff has taken steps to address welfare concerns since assuming office.
It added that the Federal Government had also remained committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
“Contrary to claims of neglect, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges”.
Reaffirming its focus, the Army said it remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army remains a cohesive, disciplined and professional force, fully focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations,” it said.
It would be recalled that on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that some aggrieved soldiers had cried out over what they described as disparity in salaries of newly promoted Army personnel.
They urged President Tinubu to thoroughly investigate happenings in the military, particularly issues involving and affecting the rank and file.
The soldiers added that a mutiny against top officers was in the offing if the authorities failed to address the burning issues affecting the welfare of troops.
In an open letter to President Tinubu shared with SaharaReporters, the Army personnel accused service chiefs of corruption and extortion.
They also called for a review of their salaries and allowances to reflect the current economic realities of the country.
Their letter read; “We are writing to express concerns about the salary increments for junior ranks in the Nigerian Army. Despite promotions, the increases are minimal, ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦15,000.
“For instance: – Army Warrant Officers (AWO): ₦3,000 added. – Warrant Officer (WO): ₦4,000 added. – Staff Sergeant (SSgt): ₦15,000 added. – Sergeant (Sgt): ₦4,000 added. – Corporal (Cpl): ₦8,000 added. – Lance Corporal (LCpl): ₦2,000 added.
“Considering the Federal Government’s approval of a 25-35% salary increase for armed forces personnel effective January 1, 2024, we request a comprehensive salary review and fair implementation of allowances.
“Sadly, the Federal Government led by President Tinubu has been silent on all the complaints. The scarce skills allowances of N100,000 is not fully implemented as well since 2017 and the government is funding the Army with the funds.
“How can someone who works tirelessly for 5 years’ service to the nation be promoted and paid only additional N3,000 or N5,000? This is unfair and unfortunate. The Federal Government has been silent and this is not good for Nigeria.”
