Soldiers Accuse Commander of Withholding Operation Allowance
Soldiers Accuse Commander of Withholding Operation Allowance
Nigerian soldiers deployed to the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai have raised the alarm over the withholding of their operation allowances.
The soldiers, who are actively engaged in combat against Boko Haram insurgents, have specifically alleged the Theatre Commander, Major General Abubakar, is responsible for the non-payment. They claim that the issues began shortly after he took over the command, leading to a situation where thousands of troops feel abandoned while serving on the frontlines.
The affected personnel explained that the allowance is a daily stipend of N1,500, totaling approximately N46,500 per month, which is intended to sustain them while they are stationed in the bush.
Despite the modest nature of the amount, the soldiers emphasized that it is vital for their daily survival and upkeep during operations. They further alleged that the payment schedule, which is supposed to be processed on the first of every month, has become increasingly irregular and has skipped several cycles, leaving many without the means to support themselves.
The soldiers warned that this financial neglect has led to a sharp decline in morale across the various security agencies involved in the mission, including the Nigerian Army, the Mobile Police, and the NSCDC.
Many expressed bitterness that they are being asked to risk their lives daily against terrorists while their basic welfare is being ignored. They described the situation as demoralizing and called for urgent intervention from the military high command and the federal government to ensure their entitlements are paid in full.
In response to these allegations, Sahara Reporters reached out to the Nigerian Army for clarification, but their inquiries remained unanswered at the time of publication.
The report also highlighted that this is not an isolated incident, referencing previous complaints from September 2025 regarding poor salaries and threats against soldiers who attempted to speak out. As of now, the military leadership has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific accusations leveled against Major General Abubakar.
