The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of non-payment of allowances and extortion by soldiers deployed in Ogun State, describing the claims as false, malicious, and misleading.
The denial issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 35, Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, via the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday, said the denial is in response to a viral video that circulated on social media by an individual identified as Abdul.
According to the Nigerian Army, the video alleged that soldiers deployed on company duties were denied their allowances and that troops manning border routes routinely extort motorists.
Reacting to the allegations, the Brigade explained that personnel deployed on company duties are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security operation in Ogun State.
It stated that before Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba assumed command of the Brigade in January 2025, personnel under the operation received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000.
“With regard to the allegation of extortion of motorists along border routes, the Brigade categorically states that troops deployed in these areas have never engaged in such illegal or unethical conduct.
“The Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion and no credible complaint has been recorded against the troops in this regard. The Brigade complying with Defence and Army Headquarters directive have removed all unnecessary checkpoints along the boarders allowing only relevant security agencies to check content of vehicles commuting the roads.
“The allowance was reviewed upward to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly following the assumption of command by Brigadier General Nwamba, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of sound administration and troop welfare,” the post added.
It added that the allowance is being paid regularly by the state government.
On the allegation of extortion, the Brigade categorically denied that its troops engage in such activities, stressing that the Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion.
It said no credible complaint has been recorded against soldiers deployed along the border routes.
The statement also noted that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled, leaving only authorised security agencies to conduct lawful vehicle checks.
Describing the viral video as unfounded, the Brigade alleged that the individual behind it is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading false narratives against senior officers in an attempt to mislead the public.
The 35 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of its personnel, while pledging continued collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to protect lives and property.
The PUNCH
