The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of non-payment of allowances and extortion by soldiers deployed in Ogun State, describing the claims as false, malicious and misleading.
In a press release issued on January 2, 2026, the Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, said it had taken note of a viral social media video authored by one Abdul, which accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba, and other senior officers of withholding soldiers’ allowances and permitting troops to extort motorists along border routes in the state.
The statement, signed by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, clarified that soldiers deployed on company duties in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security operation.
According to the Army, before Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, personnel under Operation MESA received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000. However, upon assumption of duty, the Brigade Commander approved an upward review of the allowance to ₦60,000 per soldier per month in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of sound administration and concern for troop welfare.
“The revised allowance is being duly paid by the state government as and when due,” the statement said.
Addressing allegations that soldiers extort motorists along border routes, the Brigade categorically denied the claims, stressing that troops deployed in such areas have never engaged in extortion or other unethical conduct.
“The Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion, and no credible complaint has been recorded against troops in this regard,” the statement added.
It further disclosed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border routes have been removed, leaving only relevant security agencies to conduct vehicle checks.
The Army described the allegations in the viral video as “malicious, unfounded and deliberately misleading,” alleging that the individual behind the video is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading propaganda and false narratives against senior officers during his time in service.
The Brigade said the current actions of the individual were aimed at attracting undue social media attention and misleading the public.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, transparency and personnel welfare, the 35 Artillery Brigade said it would continue to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to protect lives and property, while upholding the highest standards of military ethics and discipline.
