The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), has announced that the Federal Government has increased the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers to ₦100,000, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and morale of military personnel.

Speaking during an interview with News Central, Musa said the salary review nearly doubled the previous minimum monthly pay of ₦49,000, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting troops deployed across the country to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

According to the minister, improved welfare remains critical to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, although he noted that more investment is still required to adequately fund the nation’s defence sector.

Musa also advocated the introduction of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that stronger sanctions are necessary to curb the growing wave of abductions across the country.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he said.

Commenting on the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, the minister alleged that the kidnappers were attempting to pressure the military into releasing some of their detained commanders.

According to Musa, the abductors were seeking leverage by holding the children hostage in an effort to secure the release of their leaders currently in military custody. He added that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the pupils if security forces intensified rescue operations.

The Defence Minister also dismissed allegations circulating on social media that Nigerian soldiers were being poorly fed, insisting the claims were false and intended to mislead the public.

Referring to a viral video involving a military officer identified as Justice Crack, Musa alleged that the officer deliberately removed meat and other food items from his meal before recording the video to create the impression that soldiers were receiving inadequate rations.

“The soldier’s food was okay. There was meat and other items, but he told them to remove those things and make it appear as if they were not there,” the minister said.

Nigeria’s Armed Forces have remained under intense pressure in recent years as they confront insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East and widespread kidnapping-for-ransom across several parts of the country. Successive administrations have pledged to improve the welfare, remuneration and operational capacity of military personnel as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and enhance the effectiveness of security operations.

Photo credit: TVC News