Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs Amid Troops’ Salary Backlash

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday met with top military, intelligence and security officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing criticism over the welfare of Nigerian soldiers and concerns about the country’s security challenges.

The meeting followed widespread reactions to Defence Minister Christopher Musa’s disclosure that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers had increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000. While the minister described the increase as part of efforts to improve troop welfare, serving and retired military personnel argued that the amount remains inadequate given the current cost of living.

Veterans said the Federal Government should urgently implement the salary review promised by President Tinubu in March, insisting that better welfare would improve morale and operational effectiveness. Some serving personnel, who spoke anonymously, warned that poor remuneration had contributed to declining morale, increasing cases of absenteeism and difficulties attracting new recruits.

Speaking during an interview, Musa acknowledged that the defence budget remained insufficient but maintained that the government had made progress in improving soldiers’ welfare. He also advocated the death penalty for kidnappers, arguing that stiffer punishment would serve as a deterrent.

The minister dismissed allegations of poor feeding in the military, describing claims circulating on social media as misleading. He further alleged that kidnappers involved in the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State were attempting to pressure the military into releasing detained commanders.

Thursday’s security meeting brought together the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other senior security officials.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, discussions focused on reviewing the nation’s security situation across different theatres of operation.

The meeting came days after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted a planned terrorist offensive in Zamfara and Katsina states, while Operation HADIN KAI also repelled attacks on military positions in the North East.

Although the Presidency had yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the meeting as of press time, the gathering underscored the administration’s continued focus on security amid renewed concerns over troop welfare and persistent terrorist attacks across parts of the country.