Nigerian Military Reacts to Viral Video on Alleged Allowance Delay, Soldier Victimisation

The Nigerian Military has responded to a viral social media video alleging non-payment of troop allowances and the victimisation of a soldier, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The clarification was issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the military, all legitimate allowances owed to troops under Operation Hadin Kai have been paid up to date as of May 2026, with no outstanding arrears.

The statement explained that payments include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), Operational Allowance, and Habit Allowance, all disbursed through established military payment channels.

It further clarified that the controversy raised in the video concerns an additional incentive tied to troops providing security at a critical national asset in Tuba, which is only paid when funds are available.

The military noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) initially handled the payment, while the Borno State Government later assumed responsibility alongside existing arrangements for other security personnel.

According to the statement, payments for this additional allowance were discontinued after NNPC stopped exploration activities, leading to temporary delays as new funding arrangements were being finalised.

It added that during an operational visit, the concerned soldier raised the issue with senior commanders, who assured personnel that efforts were underway to secure payment once funds were released.

The military also dismissed allegations that the soldier was intimidated or punished, describing such claims as “entirely unfounded.”

It further alleged that the viral video was created by a content producer using information sourced from a small number of disgruntled individuals, calling the act unpatriotic and aimed at discrediting the armed forces.

The statement warned that spreading unverified content violates the Nigerian Armed Forces’ social media policy and could attract disciplinary action.

Reaffirming its position, the military said mechanisms are in place to ensure prompt payment of entitlements and to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders on funding timelines for supplementary allowances.

It stressed that troop welfare remains a top priority and urged the public and media organisations to avoid sharing unverified claims that could undermine morale or national security operations.