Aggrieved Nigerian Soldiers Decry Non-Payment of Allowances, Accuse Service Chiefs of Corruption

Some aggrieved Nigerian soldiers have accused the Army’s leadership of corruption, extortion, and neglect, citing the non-payment of their allowances and other entitlements. In an open letter, signed by three junior personnel, they listed grievances that threaten troop morale and operational efficiency, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

The soldiers highlighted several unresolved issues, including:

1. Unpaid Operation Allowances: Troops who returned from foreign missions in Gambia and Guinea-Bissau in June 2024 claim their allowances remain unpaid.
2. Non-payment of Arrears: Soldiers allege they were excluded from receiving the 25-35% salary arrears paid to other public servants in October 2024.
3. Manual Financial Administration (MAFA) Violations: Despite MAFA being approved in 2018 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, junior soldiers claim they have not received scarce skills allowances of ₦100,000 meant for all ranks.
4. IPPIS Removal: The removal of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in 2019 is allegedly denying them access to their full entitlements.
5. Poor Pay and Welfare: Soldiers describe themselves as the “least paid workers in Nigeria,” with irregular payment of operational allowances and inadequate access to medical care.

Allegations of Corruption

The letter accuses Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other senior officers of diverting funds allocated for military operations, kits, barracks renovations, and feeding. Soldiers claim funds for uniforms and boots are diverted yearly, leaving them without essential equipment.

They also allege that allowances are illegally shared among retired and serving generals during quarterly conferences.

Calls for Reform

The soldiers appealed to President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Defence Minister Alhaji Bello Matawalle to investigate the alleged corruption. They warned that continued neglect could further damage troop morale and lead to increased voluntary retirements among junior soldiers.

They also referenced Senator Ali Ndume’s past comments about the mass exodus of military personnel due to poor treatment.

Potential Implications

The allegations come amidst heightened security challenges across Nigeria, including counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and responses to banditry and other crises nationwide. Low morale and dissatisfaction among the rank-and-file could undermine operational effectiveness and worsen existing security challenges.

The soldiers have called for immediate action to address their grievances and restore confidence in military leadership. Failure to act, they warn, could lead to unrest and a further decline in the armed forces’ capacity to safeguard the nation.