The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as sensational and harmful to national security.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the publication by Sahara Reporters was “deliberately sensational” and aimed at undermining public confidence in the military.
“At no time has there been any threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army,” Anele said. “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.”
The Army faulted the report for relying on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, noting that such narratives do not reflect the views or conduct of its officers and soldiers.
“Personnel of the Nigerian Army are trained to channel grievances through established military procedures rather than public platforms,” the statement added.
Clarifying issues around remuneration, the Army said promotion increments represent only a component of military pay and should not be misconstrued as total earnings. According to the statement, military remuneration includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary depending on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.
The Army also highlighted ongoing welfare reforms being implemented in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities. These, it said, include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for personnel and their families.
“The Chief of Army Staff, upon assumption of duty, has initiated positive engagements with the appropriate authorities on troops’ welfare, and this is already yielding progressive outcomes,” Anele said.
The statement further rejected claims of neglect, stressing that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially amid evolving security challenges.
Reaffirming its stability, the Nigerian Army described itself as “a cohesive, disciplined and professional force” focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.
“Attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are not only irresponsible but also detrimental to national security,” the Army warned.
The public was urged to disregard what it called unfounded reports and to rely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army.
